Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah was taken off at half time in the Reds' Premier League opener against Ipswich Town, sparking fears of a possible injury.
The Englishman was given the nod over Ibrahima Konate for the showdown with the Tractor Boys, with Arne Slot snubbing the Frenchman due to his lack of pre-season preparation.
The Dutchman justified Quansah's selection by highlighting the 21-year-old's availability throughout pre-season, while Konate was part of the France team that reached the Euro 2024 semi-finals.
Quansah and Virgil van Dijk were kept busy in the first half by an aggressive Ipswich side, who had a handful of chances to strike first before both sides entered the break with the deadlock yet to be broken.
Konate had begun to warm up before the end of the half, though, suggesting that one of Van Dijk or Quansah may have been playing through the pain barrier in the first 45, and the latter was hooked at half time.
According to injury expert Ben Dinnery, Quansah had to be substituted due to a muscular problem, and Slot will be expected to provide an update on the defender's condition in his post-match press conference.
Ben Knapton
