Ibrahima Konate confirms fitness for Liverpool's UEFA Champions League clash with Bayer Leverkusen - 'no break' in arm
Published 03/11/2024 at 17:45 GMT
Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate has said he will be "ready for the next game" after overcoming an injury scare against Brighton & Hove Albion, having been forced to be substituted at half-time. Konate was in severe discomfort after colliding with team-mate Virgil van Dijk at Anfield, and came off for the interval using his shirt as a makeshift sling.
Highlights: Isak heads winner as Newcastle beat off-colour Arsenal
Video credit: TNT Sports
Ibrahima Konate confirmed he would be fit for Liverpool's UEFA Champions League showdown with Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday, after a scan revealed "no break" in his arm.
Konate was substituted at half-time in Liverpool's 2-1 comeback victory over Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday, after Virgil van Dijk's misjudged header made full contact with the arm of the Frenchman.
The defender left the pitch using his shirt as a sling, appearing in severe discomfort as manager Arne Slot said in his post-match press conference that the 25-year-old "had a lot of pain".
But, in an Instagram post on Sunday, Konate confirmed the injury "isn't serious".
"Thanks for all the messages of support," he posted. "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. In Sha Allah!"
The news is a welcome boost for Slot's side ahead of their Champions League clash with Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen.
- Solanke bags double as Spurs seal big comeback win over Villa
- He is making a brilliant case' - Cole backs Hall for England
Konate and Van Dijk have formed a formidable partnership so far this season, proving the Premier League's staunchest defence with just six goals conceded in 10 matches, while also shipping just one goal in their three European encounters so far.
Following the victory over Brighton, Van Dijk explained the mix-up which caused him to injure his defensive partner, and backed his team-mate to make a speedy return.
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2024/11/02/4057895-82295553-2560-1440.jpg)
Liverpool resilience gives Slot a ‘lot of confidence for the season’
Video credit: SNTV
"There were so many bodies around the ball and I think I headed him on the arm," Van Dijk told Sky Sports.
"Hopefully it is not too bad, we'll just have to wait and see. You can be quite ok as a player with an arm injury so hopefully he will be fine."
Goals from Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah overturned Ferdi Kadioglu's early opener at Anfield to continue Liverpool's fine start to Slot's debut season, putting the Merseyside club two points clear at the top of the Premier League.
---
Stream the Premier League, UEFA Champions League and more on TNT Sports and discovery+
Related Topics
Thoughts?