Liverpool suffer another injury scare in Carabao Cup final as star leaves Wembley on crutches

Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo left Sunday's Carabao Cup final on crutches as manager Jurgen Klopp admitted he was surprised by the Japan international's condition after the game.

Endo played 120 minutes of Liverpool's 1-0 victory over Chelsea, in which the Reds also saw Ryan Gravenberch stretchered off in the first half. Klopp's side were without ten senior players for the game, with the Dutchman taking that tally to 11.

Klopp had to turn to his academy late in the game but 31-year-old Endo remained on the pitch for the full 120 minutes, after which the boss admitted the midfielder was struggling to walk.

"Wataru Endo, oh my god," Klopp exclaimed. "He walked through the ceremony with the stiffest legs I ever saw."

Endo was spotted leaving the game on crutches with his ankle in a protective boot, giving Liverpool fans yet another injury concern ahead of Wednesday's FA Cup fifth-round clash with Southampton.

Klopp was keen to heap praise on Endo after the final whistle and insisted that, despite the midfielder turning 31 earlier this month, the Japan international is set for a lengthy career at Anfield.

"We were lucky, we bring him in and I am pretty sure in three or four years Wataru will sign another long-term contract at Liverpool," Klopp said. "He might be 30 or 31 in the passport, but he is not, he is a machine.

"Footballing-wise, he is exceptional. Defensively insane. Yeah, very helpful."

Klopp may opt to rest Endo for Wednesday's game but doing so would leave Alexis Mac Allister, who played 87 minutes of the final, as the only senior midfielder.

Harvey Elliott is a likely option to fill in, while Carabao Cup final stars Bobby Clark and James McConnell could also see minutes.

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