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

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

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 as he exited the pitch.

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

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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 .

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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.

found themselves 1-0 behind against Brighton on Saturday - Ferdi Kadioglu opening the scoring for the visitors. then equalised midway through the second-half for the hosts before nudged the Reds ahead. It leaves the Reds sitting top of the .

Should Konate not recover in time for his side's latest outing, it could force Slot into some difficult decisions. Joe Gomez was introduced in place of the Frenchman at the break, while academy graduate Jarell Quansah is also in reserve.

The 21-year-old has seen his minutes limited this season though. He has made just a solitary Premier League appearance - that coming on the opening day against Ipswich Town.

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