Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate missed a couple of matches due to his father passing away, and he was supposed to miss the Newcastle clash on Saturday as well.

However, Konate was back in the team for that game and even scored the final goal of a 4-1 victory, and head coach Arne Slot says the France international had called him beforehand and made himself available, being aware that his team was dealing with an injury crisis in defence.

🗣️ “He called me earlier in the week, he wanted to come back earlier because he felt the team really needed him.” 🔴

Arne Slot’s reaction to Liverpool’s 4-1 win over Newcastle.

🎤 @zmansour75 #beINPL #LIVNEW #LFC pic.twitter.com/1sNQ4a4GOS

— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) January 31, 2026