Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate has provided a reassuring update on the arm injury he sustained in Saturday's 2-1 Premier League victory over Brighton & Hove Albion.
The former RB Leipzig man had to be withdrawn at half time at Anfield after Virgil van Dijk accidentally trod on his arm at a corner, leaving his centre-back partner in agony.
As Liverpool quickly made their way off the field at half time, Konate was still receiving treatment and was using his shirt as a makeshift sling as he eventually trudged off the field.
The Frenchman - who was painfully grimacing as he gingerly walked off - was replaced by Joe Gomez for the second 45 minutes, fuelling fears that he could be set for a spell on the sidelines.
However, Konate took to Instagram on Sunday to confirm that he had not suffered any broken bones, and he is hopeful of making an immediate return for Tuesday's Champions League clash with Bayer Leverkusen.
Konate confirms no arm fracture after Van Dijk incident
"Thanks for all the messages of support. My injury isn't serious thankfully. I had a scan today and it confirmed there is no break. I'll be ready for the next game," the centre-back wrote on a post of him with his arm in a medical sling.
Konate is therefore expected to be a part of the matchday squad when Xabi Alonso's side visit Anfield on Thursday, although Gomez and Jarell Quansah are alternative options in defence if Arne Slot feels that it is not worth risking him from the start.
Van Dijk also opened up on the incident at full time, telling reporters in the mixed zone that Konate had simply been a victim of the penalty-box "jungle" and immediately expressing hope that he would be OK for the Leverkusen game.
"He's fine. We call it the jungle when we go in there for set-pieces because there are so many bodies in there," The Athletic quotes the Liverpool captain as saying.
"Unfortunately I caught him, I landed on his arm so that's obviously quite a heavy leg that comes on your arm. It was very painful so he had to come off unfortunately but I think, from what I've seen, he will be absolutely fine for Tuesday."
Liverpool expected to be without four players for Leverkusen clash
© Imago
While Konate is on track to be fit for the showdown with Leverkusen, Slot is once again set to be without four players on Tuesday night, including first-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker.
The Brazilian is still making his way back from the hamstring injury he picked up at the start of October, and he is not expected back in action until after the international break.
Federico Chiesa (fitness), Diogo Jota (abdominal) and Harvey Elliott (foot) are in the exact same boat, with the former unable to shake the constant niggles and knocks that have plagued the early phase of his career.
Konate and Alexis Mac Allister are also just one yellow card away from a Champions League suspension, meaning that they would miss the clash with Real Madrid later this month if they are cautioned on Tuesday.
Liverpool have won each of their first three Champions League games of the season to sit second in the 36-team table, only trailing leaders Aston Villa on goal difference.
Ben Knapton
