Liverpool talisman Philippe Coutinho is ruled out for a month

Klopp mentioned the need for Liverpool to dip into the transfer market, saying, “In this moment with no centre back fit, I would say it is a situation where we have to think about going into the transfer market”. It’s a hard balance coming in after 11 games to push the players when they’re playing two, maybe three games a week, weekend, midweek, weekend.

“Coutinho is more serious than Dejan”, said Klopp in a press conference.

On Toure’s display, he hailed him as “perfect” and highlighted the instance in which he blocked an incoming cross just a few minutes before sustaining cramp, calling it the “best situation” he showed in the game.

“Dejan will be available after Manchester United”. Only 1-0 but of course we have two bad injuries and that’s why I’m not only lucky tonight.

“Injuries? Yeah that’s it, we will look at our training!”

He wrote in his Liverpool Echo column that he saw the big game mentality of Jurgen Klopp’s management come through. At Liverpool we’ve got a world-class medical team here.

Graeme Souness believes “it’s not a coincidence” Liverpool ‘s players are falling foul of hamstring problems following the arrival of Jurgen Klopp.

“We could wave a white flag and say no team versus Stoke, but that’s not possible.

There is no training”, said Klopp, according to ITV, when asked if he was to blame for the string of injuries.

Klopp’s lack of centre-backs in particular prompted the German to reveal he plans to enter the transfer market once more, after landing teenage Serbian midfielder Marko Grujic on Wednesday.

“It’s the one that the players fear”, he said of hamstring injuries. “I can’t remember. I don’t know”.

Coutinho and Lovren join Daniel Sturridge, Martin Skrtel, Divock Origi and Jordan Rossiter at the treatment table for hamstring injuries, leaving the club with one recognised centre-back.

But Liverpool might have built up a greater advantage to take back to Anfield for the second leg in three weeks’ time, as Allen had a penalty appeal rejected after receiving a shove from Whelan, while Firmino nearly scored one of the most freakish goals of the season, as Butland’s clearance hit the Brazil worldwide and looped back towards the net, with the Stoke keeper reacting just in time to catch. Kolo said it’s only a cramp, but don’t know for him either.