Football
Melissa Reddy, Correspondent 5y

Liverpool youngster 'lucky' after vicious foul

BOSTON -- Jurgen Klopp revealed the initial diagnosis for Yasser Larouci is positive following Joris Gnagnon's appalling kick on the left-back during Liverpool's 2-1 defeat to Sevilla at Fenway Park, but further assessments are needed.

The 18-year-old received extended medical attention and was stretchered off the pitch on 80 minutes after the French defender hacked him -- an offence that drew a straight red card.

The teenager, who has had an an impressive pre-season as he makes his case to deputise for Andy Robertson, has hopefully evaded a long-term injury.

"It looks like he was lucky but, of course, how it always is with these things we have to wait a little bit," Klopp said on Larouci, who departed the stadium on crutches, with his right leg in a brace.

"He [Gnagnon] hit him full throttle and, in that moment, [if it was] a little bit different position where he hit him, then it's done.

"I don't know 100 percent. It looks like he was lucky, but I only spoke quickly to the [doctor] and that's what he said, but but we have to see.

"Yasser couldn't keep on playing, so that's the first not-so-good sign, but in the dressing room it was OK, similar how it looks to Harry [Wilson].

"Harry got a knock on his jaw and a finger in his eye, so not too cool. He should be OK as well but couldn't carry on as well. That's the situation."

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Gnagnon tweeted his regret over his actions post-match, which read: "I would like to apologise publicly to the player and to Liverpool. The foul was an odious act, the likes of which should never be seen on a football pitch. My prayers go to the player and to his family."

Sevilla manager Julen Lopetegui spoke to Klopp after the final whistle to check on Larouci and admitted Gnagnon knew he'd made an awful tackle and decision.

"I was worried about the player, but I asked Jurgen and he said he's OK," the former Real Madrid boss said.

"Gnagnon was very worried. He knows it was a bad tackle, a bad decision. The most important thing is for Larouci to be OK."

Klopp was so furious over the dangerous play in the game that he declined to comment afterwards.

"[It's] much too early in the season to create headlines with saying the things I think about the situation," he said.

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