Arne Slot gives injury update on Ibrahima Konate

Arne Slot has given details on an injury sustained 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, forming a formidable partnership with the experienced Virgil van Dijk as the Reds cement their place at the top of the Premier League.

But the defender had Anfield hearts in mouths on Saturday after he departed the field in agony, using his shirt as a makeshift sling, following a slip during a corner.

Konate was given treatment as the players walked off the pitch at the break and gingerly climbed to his feet before hobbling down the tunnel, not to re-emerge for the rest of the game.

After the match, Slot provided an update on the centre-back’s condition, which will reassure Liverpool fans concerned about losing one of their star men.

He said: ‘Ibou [Konate] was in a lot of pain at half-time.

‘It was not only the first half that was a big disappointment, there was also the disappointment that he had to go off. He’s been really good for us the whole season.

‘We don’t know (the extent) yet. He hasn’t been to the hospital yet. It might not even be necessary to go to the hospital. It’s always difficult to judge an injury straight after it happened.

‘Let’s hope he can be with us as soon as possible because he had a big impact on our season up until now.’

Joe Gomez deputised for Konate at the back as the Reds overturned a first-half deficit to claim three points. 

‘The good thing is that in that position I have two very good other options in Jarell Quansah and Joe Gomez,’ Slot said.

‘I took Jarell off five minutes before the end at Brighton [in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night] because already for 20 minutes he had been stretching. I could see he was tired which was not so strange because he hasn’t played much.

‘I felt I had to bring someone on today who was fitter than Jarell was during the week. Joe deserved the trust I gave him today because he played outstandingly in the second half.’

Saturday’s clash featured a dramatic comeback which confirms that Slot’s side have the character to match their undoubted ability and tactical acumen.

The Reds went behind after a superb finish by Ferdi Kadioglu inside 15 minutes but the fans remained behind their team despite missed opportunities and the setback of Konate’s substitution. 

Their patience against a Brighton side brimming with ambition was eventually rewarded after 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 as Mohamed Salah curled a signature finish into the top corner after a lightning counter-attack.