Speaking in his press conference after the match, Klopp said: “What we see here today is exceptional. We might never see it again. These things don’t happen in football. I got told there’s an English phrase – you don’t win trophies with kids. I didn’t know that.”
Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo
Liverpool’s injury woes deepened during the 27th minute of their Wembley clash, as Ryan Gravenberch fell victim to a reckless challenge from Moisés Caicedo, which went unpunished. Gravenberch received on-field treatment before being stretchered off with an ankle injury. Despite joining the post-match celebrations on crutches with a protective boot, Klopp expressed hope that the damage wasn’t severe, noting that X-rays ruled out a fracture but indicated ligament issues:” I hope it’s not that bad. They did an X-ray, so it’s not broken but the ligaments got something and that’s how it is.”
Mohamed Salah and Darwin Núñez
Salah and Núñez were anticipated to feature in the clash against Chelsea, but unfortunately, neither made it to the matchday squad. Suffering knocks in the Brentford encounter last weekend, their progress was closely monitored on a day-to-day basis last week.
While both were seen in training gear on Friday, Klopp decided against risking their participation. Instead, they watched from the stands, with Núñez actively engaging in the exuberant celebrations post-match.
Their return dates remain uncertain, but there’s a possibility they could be back for the midweek fixture against Southampton or the Saturday match against Nottingham Forest.
Dominik Szoboszlai and Trent Alexander-Arnold
Liverpool assistant Pep Lijnders mentioned on Friday that there was still a chance for Szoboszlai to push for inclusion, but unfortunately, the final arrived too quickly for him. After being sidelined for most of January, he exacerbated his hamstring issue upon his return to action.
Despite being able to walk into Wembley without assistance, teammate Alexander-Arnold arrived wearing a knee brace. Regrettably, the England international is expected to be sidelined until after the international break. As for return dates, Szoboszlai may be available for the Southampton or Nottingham Forest fixtures, whereas Alexander-Arnold’s recovery timeline extends beyond.
Alisson Becker
The Liverpool goalkeeper would not have featured at Wembley regardless, as Caoimhín Kelleher maintained his position and delivered an outstanding performance. He is set to continue deputizing for Alisson for the next month, as the Reds’ No. 1 is sidelined with a hamstring issue.
Lijnders disclosed on Friday that Alisson’s return to action is not expected until after the upcoming international break, indicating a potential return by the end of March or the start of April.