Arne Slot provides latest Liverpool injury update after star left in 'a lot of pain'

Arne Slot provides latest Liverpool injury update after star left in 'a lot of pain'

Arne Slot says Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate was in a “lot of pain” following his substitution during the 2-1 win over Brighton on Saturday.

Two goals in two second-half minutes from Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah were enough to secure a comeback victory for the Reds at Anfield.

Konate was replaced by Joe Gomez at the break after trudging off with his arm in a makeshift sling made from his shirt.

Asked about the Frenchman after the game, Slot said: "We don’t know yet. He had a lot of pain, but he hasn't been to the hospital yet - and maybe it is not even necessary to go to the hospital, I don't know.

"It is always difficult to judge an injury in the first hour or first 10 minutes after it happens. Let's hope he can be with us as soon as possible because he had a big impact on our season until now.

"But Joe deserved the trust I gave him today because he played outstanding in the second half."

Ibrahima Konate came off at half-time during Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Brighton (AFP via Getty Images)
Ibrahima Konate came off at half-time during Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Brighton (AFP via Getty Images)

Liverpool returned to the top of the Premier League with both Manchester City and Arsenal dropping points, but both captain Virgil van Dijk and Slot were keen to play down early title talk.

"It's too early to even make it important,” Van Dijk said. “We want to be on top of the league but we want to be there after the last match in May.

“The results have been good so far this season but there is a long way to go. It is still a work in progress. We stay humble and keep fighting."

Slot added: "It's more if you play against Arsenal in their stadium and you can get a draw away from home.

“Brighton are a very strong team as well, they have shown this season. If you face a team like this and are 1-0 down and can come back to a 2-1 win which in my opinion was deserved that gives me a lot of confidence. More than the position we are in."