Jurgen Klopp has played down Trent Alexander-Arnold injury fears after the defender limped off in Liverpool’s 3-1 victory over AFC Bournemouth.
The England international was in the treatment room at Anfield after the final whistle, having been forced off in the 76th minute. Replaced by Joe Gomez, he was limping heavily as he took his place on the bench.
And speaking to reporters, Klopp revealed what issue forced the defender to be withdrawn against the Cherries.
Jurgen Klopp said: “I hope so (that he’ll be okay). He told me he had a kick which was pretty painful. But as far as a twist or fall, it was a kick. That’s why we changed then but I hope he will be fine.”
Alexander-Arnold wasn’t the only player to be replaced after a knock, with Luis Diaz coming off in the 86th minute after receiving treatment. The Colombian scored a spectacular equaliser for Liverpool, but, having only returned from a serious knee injury in April, unsurprisingly tired in the second half.
Jurgen Klopp said: “If Lucho is fit, I don’t think anyone has any doubt about his quality. An absolutely exceptional goal that he scored. Top class, very good in shape but the second half was tough for him, being part of this new midfield was really hard for him, we could see that. As long as he was fresh, he was a super, massive threat, in a good moment no doubt about it.”
Klopp was also full of praise for summer signings Dominik Szoboszlai, following an impressive Anfield debut, and Wataru Endo after helping the Reds clinch a 3-1 win from the bench after Alexis Mac Allister was sent off in the 58th minute.
Jurgen Klopp said: “Horrible (situation), first game coming in. I think we saw Harvey [Elliott] come on in a difficult moment, he come on as well running left and right, the heart rate was about 240 – probably the same as (Wataru) Endo. The two days he had, I’m not surprised. He did alright, had no clue what to do. I spoke with him this morning, about with 11 players (and how) it would look but 4-4-1 was not in the conversation! I don’t think he slept a lot in the last two nights but he threw everything on the pitch he had, that’s it.”
Meanwhile, when asked about Szoboszlai’s home debut,
Jurgen Klopp said: “The away not too bad either. We had to hold him back a little bit because he’s the only one who has power for more because he was part of the double six and running everywhere. I had to hold him back a little bit. The general performance level he has shown since he’s been here is really good and the third goal, which was super important. His shooting skills we didn’t see yet properly, we will see more of that in the future but a really good finish then the goalie can’t clear it then Diogo can score. But it is a good one. Macca’s home debut was as good just not as long, he looked really good as well.”
