Jurgen Klopp is holding out hope that the ankle injury sustained by Emre Can at Burton is not serious.
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Playing in his preferred role down the middle, he ghosted onto crosses from first Milner and then Mane, to leave Klopp beaming and home boss Nigel Clough admitting it was a bit of a lesson. It’s not that big [of a] pain any more, but it’s the ankle he had problems with at the end of last season, so he’s a little bit anxious. The 26-year-old centre-forward missed the Reds’ opening game of their Premier League campaign, but returned to action for their 2-0 loss to Burnley at the weekend.
‘Daniel is still a very quick player but he’s had a lot of injuries in the last few years and a few muscle issues – I have no idea how this exactly changes the mind of a player, ‘ said Klopp.
“[His] pain is okay but we have to wait and hopefully it’s not too bad”.
The Reds were forced into some defensive work in the closing stages of the first half, but Matip, Clyne, Can, Lovren and Milner all held firm, with Firmino retreating to contribute, and Klopp’s side headed into the interval with a comfortable two-goal lead.
The football can always be better but we have one or two nice goals – all good.
“Of course in the end we have to make decisions but what I have to do is pick the right players to make the right solutions”, said Klopp.
“He is still on the way back, but he is still an outstanding player, and even an outstanding player needs rhythm”.
Any width provided came from the full-backs but both did not enjoy their best displays, with Milner predictable by cutting inside onto his right foot and poor whenever he used his left.
The home side had Kyle McFadzean head over from 12 yards towards the end of the first half but that was as good as it got before the break as they struggled to stay competitive.
“It’s hard for our lads to compete with that sort of quality”, said Clough.
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“Derby isn’t more important – it’s the only important one”. With tonight, we managed to get through in the last round and got a great draw. “He is a really good player with all you need, when he is fit”.
