Liverpool faced a mixed day as they secured a 2-1 comeback win over Brighton but suffered a potential setback with Ibrahima Konate’s injury.
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Konate, starting for the ninth consecutive time in the Premier League, had to leave the field just after halftime, clutching his wrist in visible discomfort. The defender used his shirt as a makeshift sling, indicating a suspected wrist injury.
Liverpool’s manager Arne Slot later expressed uncertainty over the injury’s severity but remained hopeful for a quick recovery given Konate’s crucial role this season. Joe Gomez replaced the 25-year-old Frenchman and delivered a solid second-half performance.
Liverpool’s victory at Anfield saw a remarkable turnaround with goals from Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah following Ferdi Kadioglu’s early strike for Brighton. The win elevated Liverpool to a two-point lead in the Premier League, capitalizing on defeats suffered by Manchester City and Arsenal.
However, Konate’s condition overshadowed some of the joy from the win, especially with Liverpool’s packed schedule across domestic and European competitions.
Speaking after the match, Slot addressed Konate’s injury. “We don’t know yet,” he told reporters. “He had a lot of pain, but he hasn’t been to the hospital yet. It might not even be necessary, but it’s always difficult to judge an injury immediately after it happens.”
He further added, “Let’s hope he can return soon; he’s been essential for us this season.” Slot also praised Gomez, noting his impressive performance after coming on for Konate.
Slot acknowledged Brighton’s formidable challenge, especially in the first half when Liverpool struggled to keep up. He credited Brighton’s resilience and tactical quality but criticized Liverpool’s lack of intensity in the opening period.
“Credit to Brighton—they weren’t afraid to play from the back and showed high energy,” Slot commented. “We didn’t perform in every part of the game, aside from set pieces.”
Slot highlighted Liverpool’s improved mentality in the second half, attributing the change more to player attitude than tactical adjustments. “I wasn’t yelling at halftime; I just made it clear that our effort wasn’t enough,” he explained. “The players understood it themselves.”
Reflecting on the broader title race, Slot was cautious, despite City and Arsenal’s slip-ups. “It’s not about them losing; it’s about us showing we can fight back.
We’ve shown resilience twice now, against Arsenal and today against Brighton. But the way we played in the first half will punish us if we don’t improve from the start.”
With Liverpool now holding a slim lead at the top of the table, Slot was particularly appreciative of the Anfield crowd, which he called the loudest he’d experienced.
“Our fans and players were incredible in the second half,” he concluded, emphasizing the momentum they need to carry forward into their upcoming fixtures, including Tuesday’s match.
Liverpool will be hoping for good news on Konate, as his return would be vital for maintaining their defensive stability in the coming weeks.
