Liverpool have been flying this season, bouncing back from the disappointing campaign they had last season, when they finished fifth in the league. The temporary transition, thought to last for at least a few years, especially with the departure of key players last summer, is now over, as the Reds are first in the Premier League, ahead of City and Arsenal.
Despite their current form, injuries may derail Liverpool’s season, as several members of their squad are currently out injured. With the season heading to the business part, two more players have now joined Liverpool’s long list of injuries, as Jurgen Klopp faces fresh pressure in the wake of their Carabao Cup triumph.
Update on Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch’s injuries
It was more of a headache for Jurgen Klopp as the Carabao Cup win over Chelsea came at a cost. Ryan Gravenberch was on the other end of a horror tackle from the club’s transfer target last summer, Moises Caicedo, adding to the club’s long list of injuries in recent months. Another summer signing, Wataru Endo, also joined the list of injured players for Liverpool after playing with cramps throughout the game.
Ryan Gravenberch was taken off on a stretcher in the first half of the game after a heavy challenge from Moises Caicedo, leaving Jurgen Klopp fearing the worst after the game. “I hope nothing is broken, but it looks like ligaments,” the departing manager said. “I actually feel very bad, but everything else is really good,” the German coach added.
Wataru Endo is now a doubt for the upcoming games for the Reds after suffering from stiff legs, as Klopp confirmed after the game. Liverpool’s injury list now has Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez, Dominik Szboszlai, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Curtis Jones, Joel Matip, Stefan Bajcetic, Alisson Becker, Thiago Alcantara, Diogo Jota, and Ben Doak, on it.
At least seven of these players are guaranteed starters, leaving Liverpool with a difficult task ahead to continue to challenge on all fronts.
Liverpool defeat Chelsea to lift EFL Cup
Liverpool secured their first title of the season as they beat Chelsea 1-0 in a game that took almost 120 minutes of constant action to be determined. This is potentially one of many for the Reds, as they’re also in line to win the Premier League, Europa League, and FA Cup, completing an unlikely quadruple for the first time in their history.
Just like against Luton Town, Liverpool named a lineup of a mix of experience and youth, with several youth players making it to the bench. The highlight of the first half was a strong tackle from Caicedo to Ryan Gravenberch that caused the Dutchman to be stretchered off the field. Both teams had similar chances of winning the game, as Liverpool recorded a total of 11 shots on target against Chelsea’s nine.
With the game in the second half of extra time, many had hoped it would be decided by penalties, but Liverpool’s captain, Virgil van Dijk, had other ideas. The former Southampton defender sent a towering header from Tsimikas’ corner in the 118th minute to hand Liverpool the win.
The game, as expected, was open. Both teams had goals chalked off for offside during regular time, with Liverpool’s second-choice goalkeeper stealing the limelight as he made some vital saves for the Reds.
