Arne Slot has sought to add more clarity on his late substitution of Ibrahima Konate against Chelsea on Saturday, after the Frenchman was withdrawn on the 77th-minute mark.
Fans this season have become widely accustomed to Konate being taken off in the latter stages often in favour of the much-criticised Federico Chiesa switch, during which the team transitions to an attack-heavy approach in search of a late goal.
But against Chelsea at Anfield, with the score locked at 1-1, Slot took out Konate in favour of a like-for-like switch with Joe Gomez – and later admitted the request came from the player himself.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, Slot outlined a potential issue with Konate which has left the medical team waiting on a full assessment.
“Konate, yeah we always have to wait and see,” Slot explained.
“The way he limped off, he told me it was cramp but let’s hope he’s right in his assessment.
“But yeah we have to wait and see tomorrow how he feels and how that will work out.”
Possible injury to Konate would leave the Reds light at the back heading into the final two fixtures of the season, against fellow Champions League chasers Aston Villa and the curtain-call match with Brentford.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, March 15, 2026: Liverpool's Joe Gomez during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Liverpool had only Gomez and 18-year-old Mor Talla Ndiaye on the bench as defensive options against Chelsea, giving a bleak reminder of the state of the general health of the senior ranks.
The Reds are almost certainly set to be in the market for defensive reinforcements during the summer window, with Konate’s future still unresolved despite positive movements in contract discussions.
Giovanni Leoni is expected to report back to full training in pre-season following his horror ACL tear on his debut to Southampton back in September, while £60 million youngster Jeremy Jacquet will formally complete his move from Rennes.
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LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, April 25, 2026: Liverpool's Mohamed Salah during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Crystal Palace FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Liverpool have also been linked with more senior defensive recruitment, given club captain Virgil van Dijk will soon enter the final 12 months of his contract.
Slot went on to add further updates on the fitness across the squad, with positive signs that each of Mo Salah, Alisson and Florian Wirtz are imminently expected.
“I think Mo is close to returning, Ali is close to returning, with Flo we have to wait and see how he is recovering after what he has,” he added.