Liverpool manager Arne Slot revealed Ibrahima Konate was in “a lot of pain” after being forced out of their 2-1 win over Brighton at Anfield with an apparent shoulder injury.
The centre-back suffered a heavy fall in the box during the first half of Saturday’s clash with the Seagulls and didn’t come out for the second period.
Konate received treatment from medical staff and tucked his arm into his shirt as a makeshift sling before being replaced by Joe Gomez at the interval.
With Alisson, Harvey Elliot, Diogo Jota and Federico Chiesa all sidelined through injury, a new concern was the last thing Slot needed right now. He will be hoping the France international can make a swift recovery after an impressive start to the campaign.
Read – Arne Slot confirms Liverpool in talks with out-of-contract trio
Konate in ‘pain’ as Liverpool boss provides injury update
“He had a lot of pain during half-time so then you have to make the change,” the Dutchman told Sky Sports after the final whistle.
“The good thing is we have two very good replacements in Joe Gomez and Jarell Quansah. I chose Joe today because Jarell was really tired and he proved I was right because he was outstanding in the second half.”
Virgil van Dijk confirmed afterwards that Konate’s fall came following a collision between the two teammates.
“So many bodies around the ball and I think I headed him on his arm,” the Liverpool captain told Sky Sports.
“Hopefully it is not too bad. We just have to see. You can be quite okay as player with an arm injury so hopefully he will be fine.”
It marred a terrific victory for Liverpool, who came from behind to defeat Brighton at home and leapfrog Manchester City to go top of the Premier League table.
Ferdi Kadoglou drove the ball in off the woodwork to give the south coast outfit a much deserved lead after 13 minutes. That was cancelled out by a Cody Gakpo cross that flew past Bart Verbruggen in the second half, before Mo Salah blasted the ball into the net for the decisive moment of the match.
Read – Liverpool boss Slot gives verdict on Robertson form
See Also – Slot delighted with Liverpool youngster’s full debut
