Liverpool’s injury crisis has deepened after Ibrahima Konaté was forced off during their 2-1 defeat to Chelsea, leaving manager Arne Slot facing yet another defensive headache.
The French defender became the latest addition to Liverpool’s growing list of sidelined stars, joining Alisson Becker and Giovanni Leoni in the treatment room.
“I don’t know if it is a big injury,” Slot admitted after the match, “but I saw him limping a little bit, and when I asked him, he said he felt his quad. For me, all alarm bells go off because with one more sprint, you never know how that will go.”
Slot revealed that the substitution had already been under consideration before the incident.
“It was also a change I had in mind, maybe for a few minutes later, because the right centre-back had a lot of possession and we needed to create more from that position. Ryan [Gravenberch] can do that quite well,” the Dutchman explained.
Defensive Crisis Deepens
The injury comes at a time when Liverpool can least afford it. With Alisson already out until mid-November due to a hip issue and Leoni ruled out for the season with a cruciate ligament injury, the Reds are running dangerously short on defensive options.
Slot’s backline, once one of Liverpool’s strongest assets, now looks stretched and unstable. The absence of Alisson has already proved costly, as the Brazilian’s shot-stopping heroics have saved Liverpool on multiple occasions this season.
Arsenal’s Depth Exposes Liverpool’s Weakness
Liverpool’s current struggles stand in stark contrast to Arsenal, who despite their own injury concerns, have managed to maintain momentum.
Arteta’s squad has coped admirably despite issues to key players like Martin Ødegaard, Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, and Kai Havertz — a testament to the Gunners’ squad depth.
Liverpool, however, lack such luxury. Even minor setbacks now force Slot into tactical compromises that have affected the team’s rhythm and defensive solidity.
What Lies Ahead
Liverpool’s upcoming fixtures paint a challenging picture:
- vs Manchester United (Anfield) – right after the international break
- vs Eintracht Frankfurt (Europa League)
- vs Brentford (Premier League)
- vs Crystal Palace – a fixture that has haunted the Reds in recent years
With the team’s form faltering and injuries mounting, Slot faces an uphill battle to keep Liverpool’s title hopes alive — especially as Arsenal pull ahead at the top of the table.
