Liverpool Hit by New Injury Blow as Konaté Limped Off in Chelsea Defeat
Liverpool’s defensive problems deepened on Saturday after Ibrahima Konaté was forced off injured during the 2-1 loss to Chelsea, giving Arne Slot another major selection headache amid the team’s poor run of form.
The French centre-back was seen limping midway through the second half and later admitted he “felt something in his quad.” His early withdrawal adds to Liverpool’s mounting injury list, particularly in defence, where absences have already tested the squad’s depth.
Slot explained after the match that he substituted Konaté as a precaution, unwilling to risk a minor problem turning into a serious setback.
“When I saw him limp after a sprint, all the alarm bells went off,” the manager told Liverpool Echo. “He said he felt his quad a little bit, so I had to take him off. You never know how another sprint might go.”
The Dutchman added that the change had been partly pre-planned, with Ryan Gravenberch introduced to offer more build-up play from the right-sided centre-back role.
“It might turn out well that he came off early,” Slot said. “But it was clear he couldn’t continue because he was limping.”
With Alisson still sidelined and several other defenders out, Liverpool’s back line remains stretched to its limits. Slot attempted to downplay the severity of the issue, but he admitted that his side “can’t afford” another long-term absence in such a key areas.
