Liverpool boss Arne Slot provides injury update on Ibrahima Konate – after Reds defender was forced off at half-time in agony during win against Brighton
- The Frenchman trudged off the field with his shirt as a makeshift slingshot after a slip
- Reds managed to erase the deficit in the first half through Cody Gakpo and Mo Salah
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Arne Slot has given details of an injury suffered by Ibrahima Konate after the centre-back trudged off at half-time in Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Brighton.
The Frenchman has made an impressive start to the season and is forming a formidable partnership with the experienced Virgil van Dijk as the Reds consolidate their place at the top of the Premier League.
But the defender had Anfield hearts in his mouth after leaving the pitch in agony on Saturday, using his shirt as a makeshift sling after slipping during a corner.
Konate was given treatment as the players left the pitch at the break and gingerly climbed to their feet before staggering through the tunnel, never to return for the rest of the match.
After the match, Slot provided an update on the centre-back’s condition, which will reassure Liverpool fans concerned about the loss of one of their star players.
Arne Slot has given details of an injury suffered by Ibrahima Konate after the centre-back trudged off at half-time in Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Brighton
The centre-back suffered an apparent arm injury after an awkward fall from a corner
Slot said: ‘He hasn’t been to the hospital yet. You may not even need to go to the hospital.”
He said: ‘Iboe [Konate] was in a lot of pain during rest.
‘Not only was the first half a big disappointment, also the disappointment that he had to go. He has been very good for us all season.
‘We don’t know (the size) yet. He hasn’t been to the hospital yet. You may not even need to go to the hospital. It is always difficult to assess an injury immediately after the accident.
“Let’s hope he can join us as soon as possible because he has had a big impact on our season so far.”
Joe Gomez replaced Konate at the back as the Reds overturned a first-half deficit to claim three points.
“The great thing is that I have two very good other options in that position with Jarell Quansah and Joe Gomez,” said Slot.
‘I knocked out Jarell five minutes before the end in Brighton [in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night] because he had been stretching for 20 minutes. I could tell he was tired, which wasn’t surprising because he hasn’t played much.
‘I thought I should bring someone today who was fitter than Jarell during the week. Joe deserved the confidence I gave him today as he played excellently in the second half.’
Saturday’s clash saw a dramatic comeback, confirming that Slot’s side have the character to match their undoubted skills and tactical acumen.
Joe Gomez replaced Konate at the back as the Reds overturned a first-half deficit
Ferdi Kadioglu struck a first effort into the far corner to give Brighton the lead
Liverpool came from a goal behind to win in a comeback initiated by a strike from Cody Gakpo (right).
Mohamed Salah came in from the right and curled into the top corner to give Liverpool the lead
The Reds fell behind within 15 minutes after a brilliant finish from Ferdi Kadioglu, but the fans stayed behind their team despite missed chances and the setback of Konate’s substitution.
Their patience against a Brighton side packed with ambition was finally rewarded on 69 minutes when Cody Gakpo’s cross from the left went past several players and into the back of the net.
The comeback was complete just three minutes later when Mohamed Salah curled a trademark finish into the top corner after a lightning counter-attack.