Liverpool walked to a comfortable 3-0 victory against Norwich on Tuesday night, but it wasn’t the perfect evening for Jurgen Klopp as Naby Keita was substituted at half-time
Liverpool were victorious away at Carrow Road for the second time this season, as Jurgen Klopp’s side defeated Norwich 3-0 to progress to the next stage of the Carabao Cup.
Takumi Minamino was among the goals, while Divock Origi and Thiago Alcantara were also on the scoresheet. Klopp was faced with another injury concern, as Harvey Elliott, Roberto Firmino and Thiago Alcantara are all currently out.
After a dominant first-half, Naby Keita was replaced by the midfielder. This may have been to reduce injury risk later in the match. Klopp did however update the Guinean on his condition after Tuesday’s victory for Liverpool.
The Liverpool boss said: “Naby in the first half, he kicked in the grass, something with the capsular don’t think it’s serious but didn’t want to take any risks, that’s it.”
With the injury to Thiago already, and Elliott likely to be out for the remainder of the season, Klopp can’t afford to take too many risks in the midfield positions, and thankfully his youthful side added to their initial lead to see out a comfortable victory against Norwich.
Klopp is used to having injury problems after last year’s wretched season, forcing Liverpool into the transfer market in order to bolster their defensive options, and was cautious with his assets last night in their Carabao Cup win.
Klopp’s key starters all rested last evening, highlighting Liverpool’s impressive squad depth despite only signing one player during a quiet transfer window for the red side of Merseyside.
Ibrahima Konate was the only summer acquisition, as the 22-year-old signed from RB Leipzig early on in the window for £36million, and Tuesday’s win was his second successive 3-0 in a Liverpool shirt since breaking into the side.
Liverpool face a difficult 11 days ahead with trips to Brentford, FC Porto and a Premier League match against Manchester City. Klopp had to make a change of heart to bring Keita on.
This Guinean midfielder, who also joined RB Leipzig last year, has been a huge success for Liverpool thus far this season. However, he has yet to make an impact at Anfield.
Keita scored his first goal of this season with a spectacular volley against Crystal Palace. Klopp will be happy that his midfielder received only a minor injury and not anything more serious on Tuesday.
Klopp will make sure that his Premier League debutants are as strong and as healthy as possible for their trip at the Bees.