Jurgen Klopp has downplayed Trent Alexander-Arnold’s injury concerns after the defender hobbled off during Liverpool’s 3-1 win against AFC Bournemouth.
After the final whistle, the England international was in the Anfield treatment room, having been pulled off in the 76th minute. He was replaced on the bench by Joe Gomez, who was limping significantly.
In an interview with media, Klopp revealed what caused the defender to be withdrawn against the Cherries.
“I hope so (that he will be fine).” “He told me he got a painful kick,” the German explained. “But in terms of a twist or a fall, it was a kick.” That’s why we switched, but I think he’ll be alright.”
Luis Diaz came out in the 86th minute after receiving treatment, joining Alexander-Arnold as the only players to be substituted after a knock. The Colombian produced a stunning equalizer for Liverpool, but after only returning from a catastrophic knee injury in April, he looked fatigued in the second half.
“If Lucho is fit, I don’t think anyone has any doubts about his quality,” he remarked. “He scored an absolutely outstanding goal.
“Top class, in great shape, but the second half was difficult for him; being part of this new midfield was difficult for him, as we saw.”
“As long as he was fresh, he was a super, massive threat, without a doubt, in a good moment.”
Klopp also praised summer signings Dominik Szoboszlai, who made a great Anfield debut, and Wataru Endo, who came off the substitute to help the Reds win 3-1 after Alexis MacAllister was sent off in the 58th minute.
“Horrible (situation), first game coming in,” he continued, referring to Endo’s debut. “I believe we saw Harvey [Elliott] come on in a difficult moment, he also came on running left and right, the heart rate was around 240 – probably the same as (Wataru) Endo.”
“I’m not surprised by his two days. He did well considering he had no idea what to do. I chatted with him this morning about 11 players (and how it would look), but 4-4-1 was not mentioned!
“I don’t think he slept much the last two nights, but he threw everything he had, that’s all.”
Meanwhile, when questioned about his home debut, Szoboszlai responded, “The away not too bad either.” We had to restrain him a little because he’s the only one with the ability to do more because he was part of the double six and ran everywhere.
“I had to rein him in a little bit. The overall performance level he has demonstrated since arriving here has been excellent, as has the third goal, which was critical.
“We haven’t seen his shooting skills properly yet; we will see more of that in the future, but a really good finish where the goalie can’t clear it, Diogo can score.” However, it is a nice one.
“Macca’s home debut was just as good, albeit not as long, and he looked really good as well.”
