Rio Ngumoha Injury Update: Liverpool Starlet Forced Off vs Barnsley Amid New Worry

Liverpool secured a 4-1 victory over League One side Barnsley in the FA Cup third round at Anfield, advancing to face Brighton in the fourth round. The match showcased the Reds' quality despite early scares from the spirited visitors[1][2].

Barnsley started aggressively, hitting the post within 30 seconds via Davis Keillor-Dunn and forcing saves from goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili. Liverpool responded swiftly, with Dominik Szoboszlai curling in a stunning 25-yard opener in the 10th minute. Jeremie Frimpong extended the lead with an emphatic finish after cutting inside, while controversy arose on the hour mark when Barnsley's Reyes Cleary's penalty appeal against Szoboszlai was dismissed by referee Farai Hallam[1].

Late drama sealed the win: Florian Wirtz curled home a beauty after Hugo Ekitike's flick-on, and the pair combined again for Ekitike's fourth. Barnsley can take pride in their resilient display against higher opposition[1].

Ngumoha's Substitution Explained

The main concern was 17-year-old wonderkid Rio Ngumoha, who made his third first-team start. The tricky winger dazzled with creativity and directness but was forced off in the 73rd minute, replaced by Ryan Gravenberch, after slipping on the Anfield astroturf while chasing a loose ball[2].

Manager Arne Slot downplayed fears post-match, attributing it to cramp. Speaking to TNT Sports, he said: “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”[1][2].

Slot noted Ngumoha's limited prior minutes (74 and 85 in previous starts) and the step-up in intensity: “Without wanting to disrespect them, 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 at this level”[1][2].

This encouraging outing bodes well for Ngumoha's development, with no serious injury indicated[3][4].