Garth Crooks has slammed Jurgen Klopp for his reactions on the sideline when Liverpool players have sustained injuries recently. The Reds boss was forced into three substitutions due to injuries against Brentford over the weekend.
Liverpool have impressed so far this season, asserting themselves as title contenders thanks to the balance provided by their new-look midfield. The Anfield outfit have been forced to dig deep when key players have been sidelined, such as Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold, with other stars stepping up.
However, Liverpool’s injury list is starting to grow further on a weekly basis. Curtis Jones, Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota were all withdrawn over the weekend with different issues, meaning that the Reds head into their Carabao Cup final clash with Chelsea over the weekend with a depleted squad.
Former Stoke and Tottenham star Crooks does not believe that Klopp should be visibly showing his frustration about the injuries whilst in his technical area though. He told BBC Sport: “It’s no use Jurgen Klopp putting his hands on his head every time one of his players goes into a tackle.
“Curtis Jones, Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez all came off with injuries in Liverpool’s 4-1 demolition of Brentford but that’s football. Expecting a footballer not to pick up knocks is like expecting a chef never to cut his finger. This wasn’t a dirty match full of pernicious tackles but a full-blooded Premier League fixture.
“Liverpool are involved in four competitions and their wounded list is lengthening. The Reds are still flying high at the moment but can’t sustain any further injuries in what is fast becoming a depleted squad.
“The Merseysiders are about to play a resurgent Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final which, at one point, looked like a forgone conclusion but is now too close to call. Any more players sidelined and it would also pose a serious threat to their title challenge. Fortunately, they have Mohamed Salah back after a stint on the treatment table and he looked impressive. With Salah on the pitch, anything is possible.”
Salah returned from a hamstring injury at the Gtech Stadium over the weekend, entering the fray earlier than anticipated after Jota was stretchered off of the pitch with a knee injury which is expected to rule him out for approximately two months. The Egypt international capped his return with a goal and assist, and he will need to be at his very best if he is to guide Liverpool to victory at Wembley Stadium on Sunday.
