Jurgen Klopp has confirmed Ryan Gravenberch’s ankle ligament injury following Liverpool’s contentious victory over Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final, expressing frustration with the officiating during the intense encounter.
The match extended into extra time, where Virgil van Dijk’s late goal secured a 1-0 win for Liverpool. However, the first half saw Gravenberch stretchered off after a reckless challenge by Moises Caicedo, leaving the Dutch midfielder with ankle damage.
Despite the severity of the challenge, Caicedo went unpunished and even celebrated with his teammates using crutches and a protective boot after the game.
Klopp addressed the issue, criticizing the referee’s performance, stating, “The referee failed to match the intensity of the game between two fiercely competitive teams.” He expressed frustration with the lack of action taken against the challenge on Gravenberch, highlighting the need for better officiating.
Reflecting on the incident, Klopp emphasized the absence of a foul call and the failure to issue a card, indicating a lapse in decision-making by the officials. He stressed the significance of such incidents and the potential repercussions for players.
Regarding Gravenberch’s injury, Klopp confirmed ligament damage but assured that nothing was broken. However, he lamented the situation, stating, “While everything else seems positive, this injury is unfortunate.”
With Gravenberch joining an extensive injury list, Klopp expressed concerns about fielding a team for Liverpool’s upcoming FA Cup match against Southampton. He acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding player availability and emphasized the need for treatment and recovery ahead of the fixture.
Klopp highlighted the challenges posed by the congested fixture schedule, expressing admiration for the competitiveness of English football while acknowledging the toll it takes on players.
Despite the obstacles, he remained optimistic about Liverpool’s ability to persevere and compete at the highest level.
As Klopp prepares to navigate the team through a period of injury setbacks, he emphasized the importance of resilience and determination in overcoming adversity.
While acknowledging the challenges ahead, he remained steadfast in his belief in Liverpool’s ability to overcome obstacles and achieve success.
