Ibrahima Konate scored Liverpool's fourth against Newcastle(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Arne Slot has revealed Ibrahima Konate chose to return early from compassionate leave to help Liverpool after an emotional evening for the defender. Konate scored in additional time to cap an impressive performance in the 4-1 Premier League win for the Reds against Newcastle United at Anfield on Saturday.

The France international, who had missed the previous three games, was making his first appearance following the death of his father last week.

His goal prompted heartfelt celebrations in front of the Kop with Alisson Becker, who lost his father during the 2020/21 season, running the length of the field to congratulate Konate on his goal.

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And Liverpool boss Slot said: “He had a very difficult two weeks and probably still has a difficult time.

“We spoke at the end of last week and he said he was planning to be back at the end of this week, which would have meant he couldn’t play in this game.

“But when he saw the problems we had defensively he called me earlier this week and...