Liverpool boss Arne Slot makes confession as Ibrahima Konate replacement plan shared

Ibrahima Konate's form has been superb since Arne Slot's arrival at Liverpool (Image: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Arne Slot praised Liverpool's depth, highlighting two 'very good' options to step in for the injured Ibrahima Konate during Sunday's highly anticipated match against Man City. The French centre-back, who has shone for the Reds this term, suffered a knee injury in the recent 2-0 triumph over Real Madrid and, as confirmed on social media, will face recovery time away from the pitch.

Konate shared his disappointment: "So frustrating to pick up this injury right at the end of a great game on Wednesday night.

"Now we start the recovery process but one thing I promise is I will come back and be the best I can be once again. Thank you for the amazing support at Anfield. Inshallah we will keep going and I will support the team every step of the way."

As Liverpool prepare to take on City without Konate, Slot's selection dilemma narrows down to either Joe Gomez or Jarell Quansah to partner Virgil van Dijk in defence. Although Quansah made an early season appearance alongside Van Dijk and has played in the League Cup and against Bayer Leverkusen, Gomez could have the upper hand with his significant contributions, including an impressive stint after replacing Konate mid-game against Brighton and Hove Albion.

Liverpool's longest-serving player, Gomez, was all set for a switch to Newcastle United in a part-exchange involving Anthony Gordon this summer, but the deal fell through.

Despite the collapse, rumours about Gomez's future persisted until the transfer window slammed shut, especially after he was left behind for Liverpool's season opener at Ipswich. Contrary to speculation, Slot has clarified that Gomez's omission was due to a pre-season injury, not transfer uncertainty.

"The reason he (Gomez) was not in the squad at the start of the season had nothing to do with him leaving the club," Slot insisted. "It was to do with him being injured in pre-season and not being available to the squad."

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He also expressed confidence in coping without Konate, praising Gomez's performance against Brighton and acknowledging Quansah's progress: "But he was a fantastic replacement for Ibou in the Brighton game, while Jarell (Quansah) is also doing well. If Ibou is not able to play, we have two very good replacements for him.

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"Of course we are hoping Ibou is available but if he isn't we have to adapt like we have done already this season when Diogo (Jota), Alisson and Trent (Alexander-Arnold) were out. That is part of every season, that you also have injuries."



Liverpool boss Arne Slot makes confession as Ibrahima Konate replacement plan shared

Liverpool boss Arne Slot makes confession as Ibrahima Konate replacement plan shared

Liverpool boss Arne Slot makes confession as Ibrahima Konate replacement plan shared

Liverpool boss Arne Slot makes confession as Ibrahima Konate replacement plan shared
Liverpool boss Arne Slot makes confession as Ibrahima Konate replacement plan shared
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