Klopp Not Looking for Excuses in Coutinho’s Absence

Former Everton manager Moyes had warned that the Black Cats may adopt the approach of sides that had succeeded in frustrating Liverpool in recent weeks. Liverpool went on to win the game 2-0 at Anfield.

The only downside for Liverpool from the contest was the first-half injury to Coutinho.

After handing Ben Woodburn his Liverpool debut against Sunderland, Jurgen Klopp believes the youngster is ready for more exposure and hinted at a start against Leeds United.

Liverpool’s influential No10 is expected to be sidelined for five to six weeks after scans confirmed he suffered ankle ligament damage during Saturday’s Premier League win over Sunderland.

The Reds are next in action in the EFL Cup against Leeds United on Tuesday night.

“Do you think against Arsenal for example teams will think ‘it’s only Arsenal?’ Do you think they will defend high against [Manchester] City, against Tottenham, against all the top teams?” he said. What I can say is that it’s too long because the best thing is that he’s not out.

“We have to wait for the final scan but we know what it will probably be”. “We have to take it how it is”.

Daniel Sturridge and Divock Origi will likely be utilised as cover in the Brazil international’s absence, with Roberto Firmino perhaps moving to the left flank having played most often this season in a more central position.

“Adam is in a very good way – close to team training but that means, in the same moment, [he is] not ready for the game”, the Reds boss added.

He, along with Ovie Ejaria and Trent Alexander-Arnold, train with the first-team now, so learning from Klopp, Zeljko Buvac and the rest of the coaching staff will be terrific for his development. “I don’t think about the size every day or the greatness”.

“We’ve spoken about the camp, organised the camp for the summer and all this stuff, whether transfers will be done or not, if we have another few injuries or not…”

The 21-year-old is not the type to be questioning a man of Jurgen Klopp’s experience and so there were no trips to the manager’s office to ask when he would get a chance.