Ibrahima Konate is among the top defenders in the Premier League this season, but his afternoon took a worrying turn during Liverpool’s 2-1 victory over Brighton.
The Frenchman went down following a corner, and replays suggested that Virgil van Dijk inadvertently stood on his arm as Konate fell after battling with a Brighton defender.
Goals from Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah secured the win for the Reds but Konate was replaced by Joe Gomez.
Following the match, Arne Slot provided some insight, albeit not the news supporters were hoping for.
“A lot of pain at halftime, disappointment he [Konate] had to go off,” Slot said after the game.
“Don’t know [extent of injury], not been to the hospital yet.It’s always too early to say just after the game.”
According to Physio Scout, Ibrahima Konate had to come off at halftime after suffering an arm injury. In this case, it is likely that the wrist area is affected.
Virgil van Dijk was seen stepping on Konate’s wrist. This brings concern for a wrist/forearm fracture as the worse case scenario. If he’s lucky it could only be a bony contusion/bruise.
If it’s confirmed to be a wrist fracture, he would likely need surgery on it. Possible that he avoids surgery if the wrist area is stable.
Potential Recovery Time: If bony contusion/bruise: Less than a week
If wrist fracture: 4-6 weeks w/ surgery – could extend slightly if it’s a complicated fracture.