Jurgen Klopp confirms 'medical decision' made on Ibrahima Konate

Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that Liverpool made a 'medical decision' on Ibrahima Konate during the 4-0 Europa League win over LASK.

Jurgen Klopp says removing Ibrahima Konate against LASK was a 'medical decision'. The Frenchman started at the back for Liverpool in the Europa League but left the pitch after 56 minutes.

The Reds' boss confirms this was a medical decision - but nothing to worry about. Liverpool simply want to manage his minutes after a series of fitness issues.

"Ibou [was] top [against LASK]," Klopp told a press conference after the game. "That we took him off was a medical decision. We took no risks, stuff like this. Give him minutes but not too long."

Liverpool were 3-0 up at the time, having just scored through a Mohamed Salah penalty. With the game all but wrapped-up, Klopp and co. clearly felt the time was right to rest Konate after a fine night's work.

The centre-back has been in and out of the squad this season. Injuries have haunted him a bit, with the positive being extra minutes for Jarell Quansah, who has really come into his own over the campaign.

Klopp was again full of praise for the young defender.

"I think a lot of people told us before the season started that we should by a centre-half," said Klopp. "But we knew we had Jarell. Did we know he'd show up like this? No, not exactly but we were pretty hopeful.

"So the future's bright. Our own boy, calm on the ball, good in challenges, quick, ruthless in the right moments."

This isn't the first time Klopp has raved about Quansah and it almost certainly won't be the last with the incredible form he's in. If Konate can get over his injury troubles, this might just be Liverpool's defensive pairing of the future.