Liverpool have shared an update on Ibrahima Konate’s condition following their 2-1 loss to Chelsea, after the defender was forced off early in the second half at Stamford Bridge.
Head coach Arne Slot confirmed that the Frenchman experienced discomfort in his quadriceps and was substituted as a precaution.
> “He said he felt his quad a little bit, and that’s when all the alarm bells go off,” Slot explained after the match. “You never know what can happen if he continues and tries another sprint.”
The Dutch manager also revealed that he had already been considering a tactical change before Konate’s problem arose.
> “It was a substitution I had in mind,” Slot added. “We needed more creativity from that right centre-back position, and Ryan [Gravenberch] can offer that.”
Slot emphasized that the decision to withdraw Konate was primarily to prevent aggravating the issue, saying it was “clear” the player needed to come off once he started limping.
While the exact extent of the injury remains unclear, the manager hinted there’s optimism it might not be serious.
> “It might be OK that he went off early enough,” he suggested.
The concern comes at a difficult time for Liverpool, who are already without Giovanni Leoni due to an ACL injury. With the Reds’ defensive options stretched thin, the upcoming international break could prove to be a timely pause for recovery.
Liverpool will be hoping Konate returns to fitness quickly, with a crucial clash against Manchester United awaiting once club football resumes.
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