“Welcome to the Premier League” as Arne Slot provides injury updates on Ibrahima Konate and Florian Wirtz
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After Liverpool's Premier League victory over Arsenal, manager Arne Slot provided reassuring updates on the injuries sustained by Ibrahima Konate and Florian Wirtz, both of whom were substituted late in the game due to physical issues.
Konate, who was impressive defensively, pulled up holding his right leg near the knee and thigh around the 75th minute and was substituted for Joe Gomez. Slot indicated that the issue appeared to be cramp rather than a serious injury, but emphasized the need for further medical evaluation over the following days. While Konate's discomfort caused some concern, Slot remains optimistic, noting that Liverpool's center-back situation is stable with strong cover, including Gomez. Slot downplayed the need for urgent defensive reinforcements despite rumors linking Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi to the club.
Wirtz came off closer to the 85th minute after also showing signs of cramp. Slot framed this as part of the physical adjustment to the Premier League's intensity, humorously calling it a "welcome" to the league's high demands rather than a true injury. He highlighted that cramp in several muscle areas is not unusual for players adapting to playing with Arsenal's and Liverpool's intense style.
Slot expressed cautious optimism for both players but acknowledged the unpredictability of such muscular issues, citing examples like Jeremie Frimpong, who initially thought he only had cramps but was sidelined for weeks. Liverpool plans to conduct thorough tests on Konate before the upcoming international break to confirm his fitness.
Overall, the updates suggest that while Konate and Wirtz experienced physical distress in the match, their conditions are not expected to result in significant absences, allowing Liverpool to continue their strong start to the Premier League season with three straight wins.
PP