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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Andy Hunter at Anfield

Konaté offered to make early Liverpool return after father’s death, Slot reveals

Liverpool Arne Slot Ibrahima Konaté Eddie Howe Ibou Newcastle
Liverpool players embrace Ibrahima Konaté after his goal against Newcastle at Anfield on 31 January 2026
Liverpool players embrace Ibrahima Konaté after his goal at Anfield. Photograph: Peter Byrne/PA

Arne Slot revealed Ibrahima Konaté was not due to face Newcastle after the recent death of his father. The centre-back was rewarded for responding to Liverpool’s defensive crisis with his first Premier League goal at Anfield.

Konaté returned from compassionate leave after three matches out to cap Liverpool’s convincing 4-1 comeback win against Eddie Howe’s team. The France international was in tears after scoring in front of the Kop and admitted he did not “have words to describe what I feel right now” after the poignant goal.

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