#ManuKone Injury Update:
The 22-year-old midfielder was forced off in the 19th minute of France’s 4-1 win over Switzerland on Wednesday after suffering a knee injury. He was pictured leaving the stadium on crutches and will undergo medical checks on Thursday. pic.twitter.com/6LdKV4hK5a
— Anfield Watch (@AnfieldWatch) June 29, 2023
Liverpool’s Pursuit of Manu Kone
Liverpool are in the market for two midfielders this summer and Manu Kone is one of the names on their radar. The 22-year-old Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder has been impressing at the U21 Euros in Georgia and Romania, but his tournament was blighted by a knee injury on Wednesday.
Kone was forced off after 19 minutes of France’s 4-1 win over Switzerland and was pictured leaving the stadium on crutches. He will undergo medical checks on Thursday to determine the extent of the injury, though it could have a major impact on Liverpool’s pursuit of the midfielder.
##The Injury
Kone attempted to play on after suffering the injury to his right knee, but was unable to support himself and had to be replaced by Enzo le Fee. L’Equipe reported that Kone will undergo medical checks on Thursday, though the extent of his injury remains unclear.
If it is a serious issue, there is a strong chance that Liverpool would reconsider a move for Kone in this transfer window. While there will be a longer-term view when it comes to any targets this summer, the club simply cannot take risks with their signings as Klopp oversees a rebuild.
##Liverpool’s Transfer Strategy
Liverpool have been patient in their recruitment process this summer, with the majority of their targets involved in the U21 Euros. This has led to frustration among supporters, but a development in France’s 4-1 win over Switzerland on Wednesday gave an indication of why the club is being patient.
In theory, a lengthy injury for Kone could set him back considerably in his first campaign at Anfield, when Liverpool need their new arrivals to play a big part next season. This is all conjecture at this point, of course, with there no confirmation that Kone faces a long spell out – nor that he is the Reds’ primary target.
##Conclusion
Kone’s injury could have a major impact on Liverpool’s pursuit of the midfielder, though it remains to be seen how serious it is. The club are being patient in their recruitment process this summer and have been linked with several other midfielders, so it is possible that they may look elsewhere if Kone is ruled out for an extended period of time.