Liverpool’s Konate Downplays Injury, Says He Won’t Miss Game Time

Liverpool's French defender #05 Ibrahima Konate reacts to an injury during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Brighton and Hove Albion at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on November 2, 2024. (AFP)
Liverpool's French defender #05 Ibrahima Konate reacts to an injury during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Brighton and Hove Albion at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on November 2, 2024. (AFP)
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Liverpool’s Konate Downplays Injury, Says He Won’t Miss Game Time

Liverpool's French defender #05 Ibrahima Konate reacts to an injury during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Brighton and Hove Albion at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on November 2, 2024. (AFP)
Liverpool's French defender #05 Ibrahima Konate reacts to an injury during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Brighton and Hove Albion at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on November 2, 2024. (AFP)

Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate said the arm injury he sustained against Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday is not as bad as initially feared and that he will be ready for the Premier League leaders' next game.

The 25-year-old France international was replaced by Joe Gomez after being forced off at half-time against Brighton at Anfield, where Liverpool came from a goal down to win 2-1.

"My injury isn't serious thankfully. I had a scan today and it confirmed there is no break," Konate posted on Instagram on Sunday. "I'll be ready for the next game."

Arne Slot's side can ill-afford to lose more players to injury with first-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker, right back Conor Bradley, midfielder Harvey Elliott and forwards Diogo Jota and Federico Chiesa all missing at the weekend.

Liverpool next host Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League on Tuesday followed by another home game against Aston Villa in the league on Saturday.



F1 Driver Esteban Ocon Released by Alpine, Doohan to Drive at Final GP of the Season

Alpine driver Esteban Ocon of France walks away from his car after crashing during the Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix at the Lusail International Circuit racetrack in Lusail, Qatar, 01 December 2024. (EPA)
Alpine driver Esteban Ocon of France walks away from his car after crashing during the Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix at the Lusail International Circuit racetrack in Lusail, Qatar, 01 December 2024. (EPA)
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F1 Driver Esteban Ocon Released by Alpine, Doohan to Drive at Final GP of the Season

Alpine driver Esteban Ocon of France walks away from his car after crashing during the Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix at the Lusail International Circuit racetrack in Lusail, Qatar, 01 December 2024. (EPA)
Alpine driver Esteban Ocon of France walks away from his car after crashing during the Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix at the Lusail International Circuit racetrack in Lusail, Qatar, 01 December 2024. (EPA)

F1 team Alpine confirmed Monday that Esteban Ocon has been released ahead of the final Grand Prix of the season and that Jack Doohan will make his debut in Abu Dhabi.

The team said in a statement that the lineup change will allow Ocon to take part in post-season tests with his new team Haas.

Alpine had announced in June that Ocon would leave at the end of the season after a troubled start to the year in Formula 1 for him and the French-owned team.

Doohan was promoted from the reserve driver role to become Pierre Gasly’s teammate.

Ocon was in 14th place in the driver's standings. He crashed out of the Qatar Grand Prix on Sunday.

Ocon made his F1 debut in 2016 with Manor and joined the then-Renault team for 2020. His sole career win came at the Hungarian Grand Prix in 2021 for Alpine after a crash in wet conditions took out much of the field.

Ocon will partner Ollie Bearman at Haas next season.

The 21-year-old Doohan, son of former motorcycle world champion Mick Doohan, was third in Formula 2 last year and has been a full-time reserve for Alpine in 2024.