Arne Slot says Rio Ngumoha withdrew from FA Cup win with cramp

Goal reports Liverpool manager Arne Slot has moved to quell fears after 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha was forced off during the FA Cup win over Barnsley at Anfield.

Ngumoha, making his third first-team start, impressed before appearing to slip on the astroturf near the touchline and leaving in visible discomfort in the 73rd minute, replaced by Ryan Gravenberch. Speaking to TNT Sports after the match, Slot said, "That's cramp, I hope. I expect it to be cramp."

Slot stressed the withdrawal fits with how the club are managing the teenager’s minutes — his previous two starts saw him play 74 and 85 minutes — and highlighted the need for Ngumoha to build endurance to reach 90 minutes at Premier League level. With Slot describing the issue as likely minor, the winger’s performance was otherwise noted as a bright spot in Liverpool’s 4-1 progression into the fourth round.

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Sports, Rio Ngumoha, Arne Slot, Liverpool, Fa Cup, Barnsley