20 February 2024 , 11:50
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Jurgen Klopp has been criticised by Garth Crooks for the way he acts when his Liverpool players get injured during matches.
The Liverpool manager had to change his team three times because of injuries in their last game against Brentford. Curtis Jones, Darwin Nunez, and Diogo Jota all had to leave the game with problems, forcing Klopp to make a number of early changes during Saturday's victory.
With Trent Alexander-Arnold having suffered a recurrence of his recent injury issue and long-time absentee Thiago returning to the treatment table - having played for less than 10 minutes after his return from 10 months out - the Kop boss has seen his injury issues grow ahead of this weekend's important Premier League clash with Luton Town on Wednesday, and Sunday's Carabao Cup Final against Chelsea.
BBC pundit Garth Crooks took a keen interest in Klopp's reaction on the touchline at the weekend and believes the outgoing Kop boss thinks Klopp shouldn't show he's upset about the injuries while he's watching the game.
"It's no use Jurgen Klopp putting his hands on his head every time one of his players goes into a tackle," said Crooks on BBC Sport. "Curtis Jones, Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez all came off with injuries in Liverpool's 4-1 demolition of Brentford but that's football.
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"Expecting a footballer not to pick up knocks is like expecting a chef never to cut his finger. This wasn't a dirty match full of pernicious tackles but a full-blooded Premier League fixture.
"Liverpool are involved in four competitions and their wounded list is lengthening. The Reds are still flying high at the moment but can't sustain any further injuries in what is fast becoming a depleted squad.
Garth Crooks has criticised Klopp for his reactions on the sideline ((Image: Getty))"The Merseysiders are about to play a resurgent Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final which, at one point, looked like a foregone conclusion but is now too close to call. Any more players sidelined and it would also pose a serious threat to their title challenge.
"Fortunately, they have Mohamed Salah back after a stint on the treatment table and he looked impressive. With Salah on the pitch, anything is possible."
Salah came back from a hamstring injury at the Gtech Stadium over the weekend, coming on earlier than expected after Jota was carried off the pitch with a knee injury which is likely to keep him out for around two months.
The Egypt star marked his return with a goal and assist, and he will need to be at his very best if he is to lead Liverpool to victory at Wembley Stadium on Sunday.
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