Liverpool dealt injury blow as Ibrahima Konate leaves pitch in agony using makeshift sling

Liverpool endured a difficult time of things against Brighton after falling behind against the Seagulls with defender Ibrahima Konate the latest to pick up an injury concern

Liverpool star Ibrahima Konate was forced off the pitch in agony after picking up an injury against Brighton.

The French defender started on Saturday in the Reds' home clash with the South coast club. But he did not enjoy a positive time of things.

Konate sustained a heavy fall in the penalty area during the first period and was then forced off at the half-time break. He received treatment from the Reds' medical staff, his arm being tucked into his shirt as a makeshift sling.

Any injury adds considerably to Arne Slot's current woes, with Alisson, Harvey Elliott, Diogo Jota and Federico Chiesa all currently sidelined.

Liverpool found themselves 1-0 behind against Brighton on Saturday - Ferdi Kadioglu opening the scoring for the visitors. Speaking pre-match about his side's fitness woes, Arne Slot said: "I think I said it already a few times that it is always difficult to tell you exactly when they are ready because especially the last phase of the recovery can always be a few days extra or less.

"The fact is that they are not there before the international break and let’s see if they can join us after."

Slot will certainly hope he can call upon his defender over the coming weeks ahead of a packed fixture list. The Merseysiders take on Bayer Leverkusen in midweek ahead of clash with Aston Villa and Southampton.

Konate, 25, has made over 100 appearances for Liverpool after signing for the club from German giants RB Leipzig. The 17-time France international has remained as a near ever-present under new boss Slot.

Speaking about his side's fitness woes ahead of the clash with Brighton, the Liverpool head coach said: "I think I said it already a few times that it is always difficult to tell you exactly when they are ready because especially the last phase of the recovery can always be a few days extra or less.

"The fact is that they are not there before the international break and let’s see if they can join us after."

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