Liverpool, dealing with injuries, require a “miracle” as multiple key players are uncertain for Wednesday’s FA Cup fifth-round match against Southampton, stated manager Juergen Klopp. Midfielder Ryan Gravenberch, injured during Sunday’s League Cup final victory over Chelsea, is the latest addition to the sidelined players from the Premier League leaders for this week’s encounter.
“Ryan’s unavailable due to a ligament injury. It could have been worse, but it’s bad enough to rule him out for this game and possibly the next. We’ll have to wait and see,” Klopp explained.
“We’re relying on miracles with a few players. That’s why I’m hesitant to rule them out for too long. It’s touch and go with many of them.”
Klopp mentioned that forwards Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez, absent from the League Cup final, aren’t guaranteed for Wednesday either.
“We’ll assess what they can do today,” he added.
The German coach praised the squad’s depth and young talent for their performances this season, including the League Cup victory.
“Our squad depth has surpassed our expectations. I’ve mentioned it many times – without the young players, we wouldn’t be where we are,” Klopp remarked.
“The story of Sunday was one of the best in football. Our young players, with little experience but loads of talent, stepped up,” he continued.
However, Klopp expressed concern about the lack of recovery time before facing Southampton, currently fourth in the second-tier standings.
“I have huge respect for the Championship. The intensity of football there is unbelievable. It’s an incredible and challenging league,” he concluded.
