Liverpool claimed a narrow 1-0 victory over Arsenal on Matchday 3 of the Premier League, but the game was overshadowed by a series of injury concerns for both sides.
Arsenal’s William Saliba was forced off after just five minutes, following an awkward landing on his foot. Later in the second half, Liverpool made two changes of their own, with Ibrahima Konaté leaving the pitch in the 79th minute and new signing Florian Wirtz withdrawn in the 89th.
Speaking after the match, Liverpool manager Arne Slot reassured fans that the setbacks were not serious. He explained that the players had only suffered cramps rather than any lasting damage.
When asked about Wirtz, who arrived from Bayer Leverkusen this summer, Slot responded with humor:
“After 85 minutes, I don’t think he realized a player could have cramp in so many different places — but that’s what happened. That is welcome to the Premier League. That is welcome to playing at this intensity, especially against an Arsenal team that presses hard too.”
Wirtz is still adjusting to the demanding tempo of English football, and cramps are part of that learning curve. Fortunately, Slot’s lighthearted approach suggests he knows how to keep his star midfielder motivated while he adapts to life in the Premier League.
