Arne Slot has allayed initial concerns over an injury to Rio Ngumoha after he was brought off late on in Liverpool’s 4-1 win over Barnsley in the FA Cup.
Ngumoha made his first start since October as one of six changes to the side for Monday’s third-round tie at Anfield.
And after a solid performance from the 17-year-old he was forced off in the 73rd minute, having caught his studs in the turf.
That led to fears over an injury, with suggestions of a hamstring problem, but in his post-match press conference Slot said: “I assume and think and expect it’s cramp.”
The Dutchman explained that this was in line with his expectations for the youngster, who is still developing physically and, he believes, not yet ready for regular starts.
“So it tells Rio that I expect that a Premier League game is more intense than this one,” Slot continued.
“[It tells you] that it’s very nice for him to again make 70 minutes, but that it’s still very hard work to be ready for 90 in the Premier League.
“But that’s completely normal for a 17-year-old, make no mistake about that.
It’s already great for him and for Liverpool and everybody who is following us that a 17-year-old makes so many minutes in a Liverpool shirt.
“So let’s hope he can continue and we can bring him further and further towards 90 minutes at Premier Leaguelevel.”
Ngumoha is yet to start in either the Premier League or Champions Leagueand it seems unlikely he will do this season unless in emergency circumstances.
That is perhaps sensible given the injury issues others in his situation have faced in years gone by – Jayden Danns, for example, missed the clash with Barnsley after a setback in his own fitness.
But with Liverpool choosing not to sign a replacement for Luis Diaz to ensure Ngumoha’s pathway would not be blocked, it still raises questions over whether that was a sensible decision.
It instead creates an over-reliance on Cody Gakpo as first-choice left winger, and it can be also be argued he has suffered due to a lack of pressure on his place in the side.
In the short term, Slot will be hoping to include Ngumoha on his bench again in the games to come, with Alexander Isak still sidelined and Mohamed Salahextending his stay at the Africa Cup of Nations into the semi-finals.
