Manager Jurgen Klopp says Liverpool will require “miracles” to alleviate their injury problems as they get ready to welcome Southampton for the FA Cup fifth round.
Dutch midfielder Ryan Gravenberch, currently nursing an ankle injury, is the latest addition to Klopp’s list of absent players.
Although Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez, and Dominik Szoboszlai are participating in training sessions, their availability for the match against Championship side Southampton at Anfield on Wednesday remains uncertain.
Klopp commented on the injury situation, stating, “I wouldn’t say it is much improved.”
Gravenberch was forced off the pitch on a stretcher during Sunday’s EFL Cup triumph against Chelsea. However, he later rejoined the celebrations, albeit on crutches and wearing a protective boot.
The 21-year-old Dutch international now joins a sidelined roster that includes Alisson, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joel Matip, Thiago Alcantara, Curtis Jones, Stefan Bajcetic, and Diogo Jota.
Klopp mentioned that a decision on Salah, Nunez, and Szoboszlai’s participation against Southampton would depend on their condition following Tuesday’s training session.
Additionally, midfielder Wataru Endo is uncertain due to a knock.
“Ryan is not available. It could have been worse, but it is bad enough to rule him out of this game and the next game. We shall see,” said Klopp.
“We need miracles for a few players, so I don’t want to rule them out for too long. But it is touch and go with a lot of the boys who were not available for the final.”
Liverpool secured the inaugural major trophy of the season by defeating Chelsea at Wembley, and they are determined to remain competitive in all four major competitions they are participating in as they face Russell Martin’s team.