Arne Slot has moved to ease fears over injuries to Ibrahima Konate and Florian Wirtz after both players were forced off during Liverpool’s 1-0 win over Arsenal at Anfield on Sunday afternoon.
The Premier League champions maintained their perfect start to the new season thanks to a moment of magic from Dominik Szoboszlai. The Hungary international curled home a sublime free-kick seven minutes from time to settle a fiercely contested meeting between last year’s title rivals.
It was a statement win for Slot’s side, who now sit two points clear at the top of the table and remain the only team with a 100% record. But while Liverpool could celebrate an early psychological blow in the title race, the sight of Konate limping from the field late on tempered the mood around Anfield.
The France international was outstanding before his withdrawal, delivering a commanding display at the heart of defence as he quelled Arsenal’s dangerous frontline. Yet, 11 minutes from the end, he signalled to the bench and was replaced, sparking fears of a potential setback.
Speaking after the game, Slot attempted to strike a reassuring tone but stressed Liverpool would not be taking risks.
“He thinks it’s cramp and I have no reason to doubt him although sometimes players talk about cramp and then we make a scan and it’s more than that.
Jeremie Frimpong wasn’t too happy, like some pundits, when we took him out against Bournemouth. He thought he only had cramp or only felt it a little bit, and he’s already out for two or three weeks now. Let’s wait and see.”
Konate is expected to undergo scans to confirm the extent of the problem, with Liverpool hopeful it is nothing more than fatigue. Slot also hinted that his squad has the necessary cover in central defence, despite speculation continuing over a possible move for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi before the transfer deadline.
There were also anxious glances when summer signing Florian Wirtz was withdrawn in the closing stages. The 22-year-old, who had impressed in flashes against the Gunners, appeared to be in discomfort as he left the pitch. But Slot again moved quickly to downplay fears.
“It wasn’t an injury. It was a welcome to the Premier League.
It was after 85 minutes I don’t think he knew he could have cramp in so many different places. That’s what happened. That is welcome to the Premier League, welcome to this intensity against an Arsenal side who can play very intense as well.”
Slot believes Wirtz and fellow new arrival Hugo Ekitike will need time to adapt to the physical demands of English football, but backed them to grow into their roles.
“If you bring in what we do, very good players so, so talented but from different leagues and young, 22 Florian, 23 Hugo, it’s normal that if you aren’t 27 or 28 that you maybe need to make a step towards the Premier League. That’s what these two are doing.”
Liverpool’s victory over Arsenal, secured by Szoboszlai’s breathtaking strike, was another marker of their progress under Slot, with the Reds continuing to blend the hunger of youth with the experience of proven winners. And while the sight of two key players being forced off provided a scare, Slot’s measured words suggested the damage will not linger.
As Liverpool head into the international break sitting top of the table with three wins from three, all eyes will remain on Konate’s scans in the coming days. But for now, Slot is confident that both Konate and Wirtz will soon be back at full tilt eady to play their part in what promises to be another gruelling fixture list after the international break
