Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp accepts that Chelsea are the favourite going into the Carabao Cup final at the Wembley Stadium
Jurgen Klopp believed Chelsea are the favourite due to their recent form and the injury crisis at Liverpool. The Reds beat Luton Town 4-1 after making a second-half comeback at Anfield as numerous key players missed the game.
Long-term injuries have sidelined Curtis Jones, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Alisson Becker, Thiago Alcantara, Diogo Jota, Joel Matip, and Stefan Bajcetic.. The estimated return from injury for Dominik Szoboszlai is also unknown while Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez are under observation.
Salah and Nunez failed to make it to the matchday squad for the Premier League game against Luton. The attacking duo are a pivotal part of the Reds set-up but their chances to play the final are currently unknown.
Liverpool have maintained their consistent run and they have shown strong mental strength so far despite facing several adversities. However, the number of injuries has reduced them to seek help from several Academy players including 16-year-old Treymaurice Nyoni.
Nevertheless, Klopp has enjoyed giving opportunities to the Academy players and so far, they have repaid his faith with performances. Jarell Quansah and Conor Bradley have established themselves as the senior team members this season while Bobby Clark cameoed frequently.
Klopp told BBC that Liverpool are not the favourite for the finals with Chelsea improving while they suffered numerous injuries. He said:
“Will we be big favourites? Definitely not. Since we [last] played them [Chelsea], they have improved a lot and it will be tricky. This was exceptional tonight.”
Liverpool have named five teenagers on the bench to face Luton:
— Squawka (@Squawka) February 21, 2024
19-year-old Bobby Clark
19-year-old Kaide Gordon
19-year-old James McConnell
18-year-old Jayden Danns
16-year-old Treymaurice Nyoni
Jürgen Klopp always trusts the academy. pic.twitter.com/yIMeVXzFKt
Chelsea drew 1-1 with dominant Manchester City, showing a shift in their form under Mauricio Pochettino. The London rivals have spent more than a billion in the transfer market in the last two seasons, acquiring world-class players.
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Nevertheless, they have struggled badly this season, currently at 10th in the Premier League this season. With their well-known injury crisis, Liverpool must perform at their peak to prevent Chelsea from exploiting their vulnerabilities. Klopp rallied the Reds during the second half against the Hatters and they need to carry on with that level of intent to succeed.
