Liverpool’s Georginio Wijnaldum facing injury lay-off

Liverpool’s growing injury problems suffered another blow on Wednesday night as Georginio Wijnaldum was forced off in the first-half of the 3-0 win over Maribor.

And manager Jurgen Klopp admitted after the game that the Dutchman’s injury could be a bad one, as he ruled Philippe Coutinho out of Saturday’s trip to West Ham.

The Brazilian has missed the last two games with an abductor injury, and may not return to action until after the international break later this month. 

Georginio Wijnaldum winces after suffering a leg injury in Wednesday night’s match

Wijnaldum’s injury was the only blemish on a night when the Reds took control of Champions League Group E after second-half strikes from Mohamed Salah, Emre Can and Daniel Sturridge.

Klopp said after the game: ‘Nobody spoke to me so far [about it]. At half-time I asked immediately and the ankle was already swollen. It’s probably not a good sign.

‘We saw a kick in the game and didn’t think it was too serious. Then it was swollen. We’re not sure if he twisted it or not. For sure, we have to make a scan.’

He admitted centre-back Dejan Lovren, who has also missed the last two games, may struggle to make the clash at the London Stadium as well. 

The Dutch midfielder receives medical attention from the Liverpool physios

Wijnaldum was forced off and had to be replaced by club captain Jordan Henderson

‘I would say it will be really close. I don’t think Phil is able to play, but with Dejan we have to see.

‘It is different with Dejan. It’s not the same problem Phil has and he is not out for that long a time, but Gini is out so maybe there will be a wonder or something like this and Phil is in.

‘But I don’t think in the moment that he can play.’

Liverpool are already without Sadio Mane, Adam Lallana and Nathaniel Clyne for the trip to the capital this weekend. 

Wijnaldum is embraced by Jurgen Klopp as he makes his way towards the tunnel