Arne Slot revealed Milos Kerkez was replaced with cramp in the latter stages of Liverpool’s 2-0 win over West Ham, easing fears the left-back had sustained an injury.
Kerkez dropped to the ground at the London Stadium in the 81st minute and received on-field treatment during Lucas Paqueta’s moment of madness, which resulted in him receiving two yellow cards in two minutes for his protestations directed toward referee Darren England.
Kerkez was replaced soon after by Andy Robertson, who saw out the final stages of the match, which was settled minutes later as Cody Gakpo controlled and fired his shot into the West Ham net.
The substitution was slightly overlooked given Paqueta’s mindless dismissal, but Slot was asked about Kerkez’s withdrawal in his post-match press conference, and allayed any fears of a fresh injury blow.
“Cramp,” was Slot’s brief reply when asked Kerkez. “The only moment when [Jarrod] Bowen had a chance was when he was out, but it was nothing to do with the full-back that was in.
“That was the only chance they had and, as a result, the only chance Bowen had. A good performance, a good defensive performance from him. He was also a threat attacking-wise in the first half.”
Arne Slot waves to Liverpool fans
Some of the pressure was eased on Slot following Sunday's win at West Ham (Image: Getty Images)
As intimated by Slot, this was a significantly improved display from Kerkez, who endured a torrid day at Anfield in midweek as Liverpool was thumped 4-1 by PSV Eindhoven.
However, at West Ham, the ex-Bournemouth man defended well against the clinical Bowen, and was less gung-ho in his forays upfield.
The Hungarian’s role in Liverpool’s starting line-up has come under increasing scrutiny, given his inconsistent showings.
Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo
Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo scored Liverpool's goals at West Ham (Image: Getty Images)
Robertson also impressed when he came in for recent wins over Aston Villa and Real Madrid, and there was some surprise the Scotland captain lost his place in the side after the November international break.
Kerkez, who signed in the summer for £40 million ($53M), has started 11 of Liverpool’s 13 league matches this season.
Meanwhile, Sunday’s win over West Ham saw Liverpool end its run of nine defeats in 12, and secured a first away league win since September 14.
The Premier League champions have moved up to eighth in the table and, at this early stage of the season, remain just three points off the Champions League places.