Liverpool’s upcoming clash against Southampton on Wednesday presents an opportunity for the young talents of the team, as Jurgen Klopp plans to unleash them for the FA Cup tie. Klopp emphasized that these youngsters have nothing to prove to him or the fans.
Klopp was still considering the starting lineup for the match against the Championship promotion hopefuls, but it’s probable that the team will consist mostly of young players, especially after Liverpool’s recent Carabao Cup final victory where many key players were absent.
The injury woes for Liverpool continue, with Ryan Gravenberch being the latest addition to a growing list of absentees, now totaling 13 first-team players. Additionally, those who played the full 120 minutes in Sunday’s match are unlikely to be called upon again to start in tonight’s game.
‘It’s possible a few of them have to start and, if they do, they will do the job,’ said Klopp on youngsters such as Bobby Clark and James McConnell. ‘Sunday was one of the best football stories ever. There is absolutely no pressure on these boys, just enjoy what they’re doing.
‘They don’t have to show anything. Our boys played in youth teams and U21s and only came up recently, nil experience and they showed it. They have to defend like men, otherwise they cannot play.
‘But with the ball… when you are 35, you should play like a kid. There are so many things you cannot buy, you need years to get these experiences and now they get them in a flash. We all have to help them with celebrating the right things and not moaning about the wrong things.’
Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez and Dominik Szoboszlai still all remain doubtful for the match, especially from the start. Wataru Endo, who left Wembley in a foot brace, is set to miss out but his ankle pain was an impact injury and he will be OK for Saturday’s trip to Nottingham Forest.
Gravenberch’s injury setback means he will be sidelined for at least the next two games, although it appears to be less severe than initially anticipated following his stretchered-off exit at Wembley. This unfortunate turn of events has provided an opportunity for Clark to potentially earn his debut start for the club. McConnell, who saw 79 minutes of action in the previous round against Norwich, is also expected to feature prominently.
Meanwhile, Jayden Danns will be eager to secure more playing time, and unused substitutes Trey Nyoni and Lewis Koumas from the Wembley match are likely to find themselves back in the squad. Additionally, winger Kaide Gordon is expected to make an appearance.
Russell Martin’s Southampton currently sits fourth in the Championship table, adding an extra layer of competition to the upcoming fixture.
