Liverpool manager Arne Slot has moved to allay fears over teenage star Rio Ngumoha after the youngster was forced off during Monday night's FA Cup third-round victory at Anfield.
Ngumoha's Anfield Withdrawal
The 17-year-old attacking talent, who was handed his first senior start of the season outside the Carabao Cup, had to be substituted after 73 minutes of the 4-1 win over League One side Barnsley. Ngumoha appeared to lose his footing on the artificial turf near the byline while chasing a loose ball and required immediate medical attention before being replaced by Ryan Gravenberch.
Speaking to broadcasters TNT Sports immediately after the final whistle, Slot provided a reassuring update. "That's cramp, I hope. I expect it to be cramp," the Dutch coach stated. He elaborated that the issue was "not so strange because he hasn't made that many minutes this season, and today he made [73]."
Slot's Verdict and Broader Injury Context
Slot framed the incident as a valuable learning experience for the promising youngster, who had previously played 74 and 85 minutes in his two other starts this campaign. "That's good for him, I think," Slot said. "Without wanting to disrespect [Barnsley], the intensity levels in the Premier League are even higher, so that is a nice taste for Rio to keep working really, really, really hard to be able to play 90 at this level."
The Reds' convincing passage to the fourth round, where they will host Brighton & Hove Albion, was nevertheless set against a concerning backdrop of injuries. The club confirmed this week that Conor Bradley's season is over due to a knee injury sustained against Arsenal. Furthermore, young defender Giovanni Leoni remains sidelined for the rest of the term after suffering an ACL injury on his debut back in September.
Alexander Isak and Wataru Endo continue their rehabilitation, while Mohamed Salah is on international duty with Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations. Egypt are scheduled to face Senegal in the semi-finals for a place in the final.
Positive Notes from Barnsley Victory
There was a welcome return from injury for forward Hugo Ekitike, who came off the bench to replace Federico Chiesa on the hour mark. Ekitike, who missed the recent draws with Fulham and Arsenal, marked his comeback by scoring Liverpool's fourth goal of the evening.
The other goals in the 4-1 FA Cup triumph were scored by Dominik Szoboszlai, Jeremie Frimpong, and Florian Wirtz. Attention now turns back to the Premier League, with Liverpool preparing to host Burnley at Anfield this weekend as they look to consolidate their fourth-place position, sitting two points above Brentford.
