Liverpool’s lengthy injury list continues to grow as two of Jurgen Klopp’s stars were pictured leaving Wembley on crutches after their Carabao Cup final win over Chelsea. Ryan Gravenberch was seen taking part in the celebrations but needed assistance after he was stretchered off, while another key player has seemingly picked up an issue.
Wataru Endo was also spotted on crutches as Liverpool made their way onto the team bus to leave Wembley, causing further concern for Klopp with an FA Cup tie against Southampton just a few days away.
Liverpool had already been without 11 first-team players for the cup final victory, as the likes of Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dominik Szoboszlai and Darwin Nunez were among those on the treatment table.
A depleted team took to the Wembley turf and were hampered even further in the first half when Gravenberch was forced off the pitch. A heavy challenge from Moises Caicedo went unpunished, much to Klopp’s frustration, who revealed that the Dutch midfielder had suffered a ligament issue.
“They did an X-ray (on Gravenberch), it is not broken but the ligaments got something,” Klopp told Sky Sports. “I actually feel really bad, but everything else is really good.
“We don’t have a team right now for Wednesday. The guys who came on can maybe play again, the rest will get treatment on Monday. I love this country to bits, but the schedule is not made for winning a lot. We will see the price we have to pay, but we fight for everything then we see what comes next. Somehow against Southampton there will be a team in Liverpool shirts.”
Endo played the entire 120 minutes as Virgil van Dijk scored the only goal of the game deep into extra-time, while Klopp hinted that the Japan international’s use of crutches may be simply down to tiredness.
After a mammoth effort in midfield, Klopp discussed the 31-year-old’s physical exertions and said: “Wataru Endo, oh my god. He walked through the ceremony with the stiffest legs I ever saw.”
Klopp will be desperate to hear that he has avoided any injury, with Liverpool walking wounded already as they quickly turn their attention to Southampton in the FA Cup on Wednesday.
