Croatia
Indonesia
Nigeria
South Africa

Liverpool2 - 1Brighton

sportsmole.co.uk, 3 November 2024, 18:06
Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate has provided a reassuring update on the arm injury he sustained in Saturday's 2-1 Premier League victory over Brighton & Hove Albion.

The former RB Leipzig man had to be withdrawn at half time at Anfield after Virgil van Dijk accidentally trod on his arm at a corner, leaving his centre-back partner in agony.

As Liverpool quickly made their way off the field at half time, Konate was still receiving treatment and was using his shirt as a makeshift sling as he eventually trudged off the field.

The Frenchman - who was painfully grimacing as he gingerly walked off - was replaced by Joe Gomez for the second 45 minutes, fuelling fears that he could be set for a spell on the sidelines.

However, Konate took to Instagram on Sunday to confirm that he had not suffered any broken bones, and he is hopeful of making an immediate return for Tuesday's Champions League clash with Bayer Leverkusen.

Konate confirms no arm fracture after Van Dijk incident

"Thanks for all the messages of support. My injury isn't serious thankfully. I had a scan today and it confirmed there is no break. I'll be ready for the next game," the centre-back wrote on a post of him with his arm in a medical sling.

Konate is therefore expected to be a part of the matchday squad when Xabi Alonso's side visit Anfield on Thursday, although Gomez and Jarell Quansah are alternative options in defence if Arne Slot feels that it is not worth risking him from the start.

Van Dijk also opened up on the incident at full time, telling reporters in the mixed zone that Konate had simply been a victim of the penalty-box "jungle" and immediately expressing hope that he would be OK for the Leverkusen game.

"He's fine. We call it the jungle when we go in there for set-pieces because there are so many bodies in there," The Athletic quotes the Liverpool captain as saying.

"Unfortunately I caught him, I landed on his arm so that's obviously quite a heavy leg that comes on your arm. It was very painful so he had to come off unfortunately but I think, from what I've seen, he will be absolutely fine for Tuesday."

Liverpool expected to be without four players for Leverkusen clash

While Konate is on track to be fit for the showdown with Leverkusen, Slot is once again set to be without four players on Tuesday night, including first-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker.

The Brazilian is still making his way back from the hamstring injury he picked up at the start of October, and he is not expected back in action until after the international break.

Federico Chiesa (fitness), Diogo Jota (abdominal) and Harvey Elliott (foot) are in the exact same boat, with the former unable to shake the constant niggles and knocks that have plagued the early phase of his career.

Konate and Alexis Mac Allister are also just one yellow card away from a Champions League suspension, meaning that they would miss the clash with Real Madrid later this month if they are cautioned on Tuesday.

Liverpool have won each of their first three Champions League games of the season to sit second in the 36-team table, only trailing leaders Aston Villa on goal difference.

Top News

24 December 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Liverpool forward Luis Diaz reportedly has no plans to leave the club despite being linked with a potential move to Barcelona. 24 December 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Barcelona have reportedly been offered the chance to sign Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku. 24 December 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester City expert Steven McInerney from Esteemed Kompany has questioned why the club and manager Pep Guardiola 'have not adapted" to the demands of the modern schedule as pressure mounts on one of the world's best coaches. 23 December 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester United will look to bounce back from a heavy 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth when they travel to Molineux for their Boxing Day clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers. 23 December 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Liverpool have reportedly been dealt a blow in their quest to sign AC Milan attacker Christian Pulisic. 23 December 2024 talksport.com Arsenal's quest for a first Premier League title since 2004 is already in jeopardy - with the January transfer window coming at a perfect time. 23 December 2024 sportsmole.co.uk West Bromwich Albion reportedly have a battle on their hands to fend off an approach from Valencia for head coach Carlos Corberan. 23 December 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Liverpool have reportedly been dealt a blow in their quest to sign AC Milan attacker Christian Pulisic. 23 December 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester City have reportedly identified Juventus goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio as a potential replacement for their current number one Ederson. 23 December 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has questioned Marcus Rashford's team after the forward recently admitted he could leave the club in the near future. 23 December 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Brentford head coach Thomas Frank has revealed that Kristoffer Ajer suffered an ankle injury at the weekend. 23 December 2024 talksport.com Ruben Amorim says Marcus Rashford has created a 'hard situation' after declaring he is seeking a Manchester United exit. 23 December 2024 sportsmole.co.uk There is a legitimate case that Mohamed Salah is the Premier League's best ever player, and he could surpass Thierry Henry sooner rather than later, according to Liverpool expert David Lynch. 23 December 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Liverpool's 6-3 victory against Tottenham Hotspur proves that the club are the most complete side in the Premier League, and their title rivals should fear them, according to Reds expert David Lynch. 23 December 2024 talksport.com Three years have passed since Zinedine Zidane last took to the dugout - but he is in no rush to return. 23 December 2024 talksport.com Manchester United are in desperate need of a response when they travel to struggling Wolves on Boxing Day, live on talkSPORT. 23 December 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Chelsea are readying an offer of €60m (£49.8m) for the signature of AC Milan midfielder Youssouf Fofana, according to a report. 23 December 2024 talksport.com Ruben Amorim has refused to rule out a return for Manchester United outcast Marcus Rashford against Wolves on Boxing Day. 23 December 2024 talksport.com Arsenal will not be playing on Boxing Day this year as they welcome Ipswich to the Emirates on Friday night instead. 23 December 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Real Sociedad sporting director Roberto Olabe has affirmed that he does not expect Liverpool-linked midfielder Martin Zubimendi to push for an exit during the January transfer window. 23 December 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk has insisted that there is "no deadline" to sign a new contract at Anfield as he prepares to enter the last six months of his current terms. 23 December 2024 talksport.com Liverpool will be looking to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table against Leicester in Boxing Day's late kick-off. 23 December 2024 talksport.com Mason Mount is set for another lengthy injury absence, talkSPORT understands. 23 December 2024 talksport.com Liverpool will face Leicester City on Boxing Day, live on talkSPORT, after celebrating Christmas at the top of the Premier League table. 23 December 2024 talksport.com Kai Havertz could move to the Arsenal right wing following the injury blow to Bukayo Saka. 23 December 2024 talksport.com Michael Owen has slammed the Aston Villa supporters who booed Jack Grealish - and told them to 'hang your heads in shame'. 23 December 2024 talksport.com Former Manchester City star Jesus Navas couldn't hold back the tears as he was given an emotional send-off before his retirement. 23 December 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that he expects Bukayo Saka to be out for "many weeks" with the hamstring injury he suffered in Saturday's 5-1 Premier League win over Crystal Palace. 23 December 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Chelsea are reportedly struggling to attract offers for one of their fringe players ahead of the January transfer window. 23 December 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in signing Everton defender Ben Godfrey.