Image Credits: Imago Images
Liverpool suffered a major injury concern during their Emirates FA Cup clash with Barnsley on Monday night. Rio Ngumoha was forced off with an injury in the 73rd minute of the game and was replaced by Ryan Gravenberch.
Ngumoha made his third start of the season for the Reds, operating on the left wing, with Cody Gakpo and Federico Chiesa completing Arne Slot’s attacking trio.
Liverpool have booked their place in the fourth round of the Emirates FA Cup with a 4-1 victory over a resilient Barnsley at Anfield.
Dominik Szoboszlai and Jeremie Frimpong put the Reds two goals ahead, but Adam Phillips capitalised on a defensive error to pull one back before halftime.
After the break, Liverpool regained control as Van Dijk went close to restoring a two-goal cushion with a header from Cody Gakpo’s dinked cross, the ball drifting just wide.
At the other end, Szoboszlai cleared a Phillips effort off the line before his deep cross was fired over from close range by Wirtz. The Germany international made no mistake six minutes from time, linking up with Ekitike before curling home in front of the Kop.
The pair combined again in stoppage time as Ekitike got on the scoresheet, sealing Liverpool’s place in round four against Brighton. The Reds will face Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield in the next round.
Liverpool are short of attacking options, with Alexander Isak ruled out for the next few months after suffering a broken leg, while Mohamed Salah remains away on international duty with Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Hugo Ekitike returned to the squad on Monday following a two-match absence. With Liverpool still competing on three fronts this season, a busy schedule awaits over the next six weeks.
The Reds’ fixture congestion could be eased if they finish in the top eight of their Champions League group, which would see them advance directly to the last 16 without the need for a two-legged playoff.
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