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Quansah’s Early Exit Due to Illness and Chest Pains
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has clarified that Jarell Quansah’s substitution during Wednesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final against Tottenham Hotspur was not due to injury but illness. The young defender experienced chest discomfort and requested to be replaced after just 30 minutes of play.
Quansah’s Condition Raises Concerns
Quansah, 21, was given a rare start in the crucial semi-final but appeared to struggle from the outset. His departure occurred shortly after another lengthy stoppage when Spurs midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur collapsed and required medical attention. While Bentancur later posted a positive update, Quansah’s situation appeared more complex.
“Jarell didn’t feel really well,” Slot revealed after the game. “From the moment the game started until he came off, he said he felt a bit of pressure on his chest. It wasn’t an injury. He had been feeling ill in the last few days, but we thought he was recovering. Maybe that had something to do with it.”
Slot’s Defensive Dilemma
Liverpool’s defensive crisis deepens as Quansah joins the list of concerns. Despite Ibrahima Konate’s presence on the bench, Slot opted for defensive midfielder Wataru Endo as Quansah’s replacement. Konate, recently back from a lengthy injury layoff, was not risked and may sit out Saturday’s FA Cup third-round tie against Accrington Stanley.
Virgil van Dijk is also unlikely to feature, while Joe Gomez remains sidelined. This leaves Liverpool short on defensive options, especially if Quansah is not fit. Slot might turn to academy prospect Amara Nallo, an 18-year-old regarded as a promising talent, to partner Endo in a makeshift backline.
Liverpool’s Next Steps
With a depleted defense, Liverpool faces League Two side Accrington Stanley, hovering just above the relegation zone. Slot is expected to rotate his squad heavily to mitigate further risks ahead of their league commitments.
