FROM GTECH COMMUNITY STADIUM – Liverpool’s injury crisis worsened during the first half of Saturday’s trip to Brentford after Curtis Jones and Diogo Jota were forced off.
The Reds went into the break a goal to the good in west London after Darwin Nunez broke the deadlock with a delectable dink, but Jurgen Klopp’s side did not escape the first half in good health.
Midfielder Jones went down clutching his ankle after falling awkwardly after a challenge from Sergio Reguilon. He attempted to continue after several minutes of treatment but was instantly in discomfort and quickly decided to leave the pitch, with Ryan Gravenberch replacing him after 34 minutes.
Jota, whose superb header set up Nunez’s opening goal, was soon forced off too after being landed on by Brentford captain Christian Norgaard. The Portugal international tried to get back to his feet but was unable to stand and had to be stretchered off, clutching his right arm tightly as he went down the tunnel.
Coming on in place of Jota was the returning Mohamed Salah, who was named on the bench having overcome a hamstring injury sustained at the Africa Cup of Nations last month.
Nunez was replaced by Cody Gakpo at half-time but it’s unclear of yet if this is due to any injury.
Liverpool were already without goalkeeper Alisson due to hamstring injury and Trent Alexander-Arnold after he suffered a setback on his way back from a knee problem. Midfielders Dominik Szoboszlai and Thiago Alcantara are also on the treatment table.
The Reds take on Luton Town at Anfield on Wednesday before facing Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley next Sunday. Alexander-Arnold, Szoboszlai and Thiago have all been ruled out, while Liverpool are awaiting assessments on their other walking wounded.
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