Virgil van Dijk sends clear Liverpool Premier League title message after Brighton comeback

Virgil van Dijk has admitted he might have been responsible for the injury sustained by Ibrahima Konate during Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Brighton. The 25-year-old was forced off at half-time with an arm injury.

With the whistle already sounded for the break, Konate was treated by medical staff on the field after suffering his issue amidst a corner. The defender looked in some discomfort and used his shirt as a left-arm brace while being guided to the dressing room.

The Frenchman has started every Premier League game since coming off the bench in the opening day victory over Ipswich Town and has also begun all three Champions League matches. Liverpool host Bayer Leverkusen in Europe on Tuesday.

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Speaking after full-time, captain Van Dijk said he accidentally collided with Konate during the set-piece and believes that it might have been the cause of his teammate’s problem. “[There were] so many bodies around the ball and I think I headed him on his arm,” he told Sky Sports.

“Hopefully it is not too bad. We just have to see. You can be quite okay as a player with an arm injury so hopefully he will be fine."

Liverpool’s comeback win over Brighton - courtesy of goals from Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah - saw them go back to the top of the Premier League after Manchester City lost to Bournemouth. Van Dijk has urged his colleagues not to get carried away by this.

"It's too early to even make it [being top of the table] important,” Van Dijk insisted. “We want to be on top of the league but we want to be there after the last match in May.

“The results have been good so far this season but there is a long way to go. It is still a work in progress. We stay humble and keep fighting."