Liverpool injury worries grow as they wait on Jota, Jones and Nunez updates
INJURY WOES: Diogo Jota of Liverpool is stretchered off after a challenge with Christian Norgaard (not pictured) during the Premier League match between Brentford FC and Liverpool FC at Gtech Community Stadium on February 17, 2024 in Brentford, England. Pic: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
ON the face of it, it’s hard to see why a commanding performance at a stadium where fancied teams have previously stumbled, underpinned by an impressive contribution from the team’s talisman, prompted a mixed reaction, particularly given Manchester City’s stumble later in the day.
Liverpool’s convincing victory at Brentford, however, was accompanied by the footnote of injuries to three key players, reinforcing the challenge facing Jurgen Klopp as he attempts to ensure his time at the club ends with success.
By the time the final whistle had blown at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday evening, Klopp’s side sat two points clear of Arsenal and, importantly, four points clear of City who have a game in hand. No one at Anfield will be underestimating the challenge of Arsenal, particularly following the Reds recent defeat at the Emirates Stadium, but it is the knowledge that City are more than capable of serving up a flawless run-in that underscores the belief that there can be no margin for error if Klopp is to end his time on Merseyside with a second Premier League campaign.
And the manager’s ability to deliver that, while at the same time targeting success in the EFL Cup, the FA Cup and the Europa League, clearly hinges on his ability to have as strong a squad at his disposal. No surprise then that first half injuries to Curtis Jones, Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez dampened the sense of elation at the Gtech Community stadium, particularly after Dominik Szoboszlai and Alisson Becker had already joined Trent Alexander-Arnold on the injury list on Friday.
Of the three weekend casualties, it is Jota who provided the most cause for concern after the forward was stretchered off with a knee injury. Injury bulletins will be anxiously received this week ahead of Sunday’s EFL Cup final when Klopp’s side will attempt to secure the season’s first piece of silverware against Chelsea.
Klopp’s job will be to prevent any sense that fates are conspiring against his side at such an important stage of the campaign from gaining ground. It will be a test of the manager’s skill to manage his resources but there was a reminder in the second half against Brentford of just how effective Klopp’s squad-building has been as he has overhauled an ageing side.
It helps of course when Mohamed Salah can be introduced as a replacement for Jota and the Egypt international provided an immediate reminder of his abilities by setting up Alexis Mac Allister for the second goal, following Nunez’s first half opener, and then add the third. With Luis Diaz setting up Cody Gakpo for the late fourth goal, Liverpool provided a powerful demonstration of their forward strength.
Those resources will be required in Wednesday when Luton Town visit and Gakpo confirmed there is no shortage of belief Klopp’s side can deal with whatever setbacks come their way. "I think we have to keep the feeling what we have at the moment and just build on that," he said.
"Obviously in midweek we have another really important game and then the weekend is also another really important one. I think only important games will come up now. We need everybody and we have to stay focused and fit.”
Highlighting the mixed feelings after Saturday’s win, the Netherlands forward added: “Obviously it was a day with everything in it. I think it was a very good performance from the team. We really showed the good mentality we needed in this game but a few injuries, which is not good for us. Obviously a lot of games are coming up and we need everybody to be as fit as possible, so hopefully it will be alright but I don't know yet what's up with the boys.”
Vigil van Dijk, the centre-back, maintained the message, making it clear that worries about missing colleagues will are for others and will be kept outside of the dressing room door. “I think everyone wants to be competing on all four fronts,” he added.
“Now is obviously the very, very exciting part of the season coming up with things being decided and obviously next week we have the final. But our quality over the last few years has been that we focus on the game ahead of us, and that doesn’t change. Last year was not the best year, but this year we have been focusing on what we can control and that’s winning the game ahead of us.
“Today was a big one, for many reasons. But we got it, we found a way even with all the injuries during the game. Now it’s time to recover and make sure that we are ready for Wednesday.”
Flekken 6; Collins 5, Ajer 6, Mee 5; Roerslev 6 (Lewis-Potter 63, 6), Jensen 6 (Damsgaard 74, 6), Norgaard 5 (Onyeka 63, 6), Janelt 6, Reguilon 7 (Ghoddos 85, 6); Toney 6, Maupay 6 (Wissa 63, 6)
Strakosha, Zanka, Baptiste, Yarmoliuk
: Kelleher 7; Bradley 8 (Gomez 83, 6), Konate 7, Van Dijk 6, Robertson 6; Mac Allister 7 (Elliott 83, 6), Endo 8, Jones 6 (Gravenberch 34, 6); Jota 8 (Salah 44, 9), Nunez 7 (Gakpo 45, 6), Diaz 6.
: Adrian, Tsimikas, McConnell, Quansah
: Michael Oliver 6
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
