Klopp says Liverpool's injury crisis has been blessing in disguise for his side

Liverpool's injury crisis this season has been a blessing in disguise for the Premier League leaders this season, according to Jurgen Klopp, with the Reds boss able to give plenty of opportunities to academy stars who are now fully integrated into the first team.

The Merseyside club have had to deal with a long list of injuries in the last month especially, with the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Andy Robertson and Dominik Szoboszlai the headline absentees alongside Mohamed Salah and Wataru Endo on international duty.

Joel Matip was also ruled out for the season in November, while deputy left back Kostas Tsimikas broke his collarbone and others, such as Diogo Jota and Alisson Becker, have also missed big games through injury.

But Klopp said that the ‘crisis’ has given Liverpool a hidden opportunity to bleed in youngsters. ‘Injury crisis or whatever you want to call it gives opportunities,’ said the German manager, who has handed starts to 20-year-olds Conor Bradley and Jarell Quansah in recent weeks.

‘We have had loads of injuries to deal with and that’s never good. That’s what we did. That’s where Jarell… he is just a product of that. He would have had games anyway. Conor Bradley would have had more games already if he would not get injured himself.

‘And Bobby Clark (who has made substitute appearances in games such as Arsenal away and Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup semi-final)... it’s so nice to bring him on, he’s ready. He can fill the role and make an impression and that’s really good.’

Liverpool are hoping to be boosted by the return of Alexander-Arnold for Sunday’s FA Cup fourth-round tie against Norwich at Anfield. The vice-captain originally targeted next Wednesday’s league clash with Chelsea for a return from his