The Reds' limited attacking resources took a fresh hit on Monday, with another injury in the FA Cup third-round tie against Barnsley at Anfield
21:32, 12 Jan 2026Updated 21:54, 12 Jan 2026
Rio Ngumoha and Jeremie Frimpong
Rio Ngumoha suffered an injury in the FA Cup game against Barnsley(Image: )
Liverpool suffered a fresh injury concern on Monday as Rio Ngumoha was replaced in the second half of the Reds' FA Cup third-round encounter against Barnsley.
The winger slipped on the touchline as he attempted to retrieve the ball and immediately signalled to the bench that he was in pain. After receiving on-field treatment, Ngumoha was unable to continue and was replaced by Ryan Gravenberch in the 74th minute.
The teenager, starting just his third match of the season, appeared to indicate he has tweaked his groin, as his standing leg slid from underneath him. Ngumoha spoke briefly with Arne Slot after he made his way off the pitch, and the Liverpool head coach will hope it is not a serious problem.
The Reds are lacking attacking options with Alexander Isak out for the next few months with a broken leg, while Mohamed Salah remains at the Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt.
Hugo Ekitike returned from a two-match absence on Monday, but Slot was still forced to start the match with an unorthodox frontline of Federico Chiesa, Cody Gakpo and Ngumoha.
However, Liverpool managed to net four in the FA Cup tie at Anfield.
Dominik Szoboszlai gave the Reds and early lead with a sublime strike from all of 30 yards that rocketed into the top corner.
Jeremie Frimpong made it 2-0 after he cut inside and scored from a powerful left-foot effort. Then an inexplicable mistake from Szoboszlai handed the visitors a route back into the game, when the Hungarian's air-kick in the box allowed the ball to roll perfectly to the feet of the ex-Red Adam Phillips, who slotted into the back of the net.
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Barnsley pushed to find a way back into the game and caused Liverpool several nervy moments in the second period, before Slot's attacking changes proved decisive. Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz twice combined to score Liverpool's third and fourth, as they provided assists for the other.
The 4-1 win means Liverpool progresses to the fourth round, where it will face Brighton & Hove Albion next month.
Salah should be back for that encounter, but Ngumoha's involvement over the coming weeks now looks in doubt