Liverpool Dealt Rio Ngumoha Injury Blow During Barnsley Game

Liverpool FC suffered a scare in their 4-1 FA Cup third-round victory over Barnsley at Anfield, as promising 17-year-old winger Rio Ngumoha was forced off injured just after the 70-minute mark.[2][3]

Ngumoha, handed a starting role for the second consecutive year in the competition, impressed by troubling Barnsley's defense throughout his time on the pitch. He overstretched while attempting to keep the ball in play, requiring on-pitch treatment before being substituted for Ryan Gravenberch. The teenager left in visible discomfort, sparking fears among fans, especially after Conor Bradley's season-ending knee injury against Arsenal.[2][3]

However, head coach Arne Slot quickly downplayed concerns in his post-match comments to TNT Sports (via Sky Sports). "I hope that’s cramp. I expect it to be cramp as well. He hasn’t made that many minutes this season. Today he had 70 to 75 minutes. That’s good for him," Slot said.[2][3]

Slot added context on Ngumoha's development: "Without wanting to disrespect [Barnsley], the intensity in the Premier League is even higher. That’s a nice first stage for Rio, so keep working really, really hard to play 90 minutes at this level."[2][3]

The update is encouraging, attributing the issue to cramp rather than a serious muscle injury. Liverpool supporters, wary after recent setbacks, can breathe easier pending full medical assessments. Ngumoha's emergence as a teenage sensation makes his fitness crucial, and Slot's calm demeanor suggests no major blow for the Reds' future star.[2][3]

This incident highlights the challenges of integrating young talents into high-intensity matches, but Slot views the 70+ minutes as positive progress in building Ngumoha's stamina.[1][5]