Advantage Liverpool

LONDON (AP):

Liverpool's 1-0 win over Stoke in an English League Cup semi-final first leg came at a cost yesterday, with Philippe Coutinho and Dejan Lovren hurt and manager Juergen Klopp acknowledging that he may need new signings.

After Coutinho and Lovren walked off with hamstring injuries, Jordon Ibe converted from close range before half-time after Joe Allen diverted a cross from Adam Lallana into his path.

Fourth-choice defender Kolo Toure was also holding the back of his right leg in the final minutes.

For Klopp, who went into the match missing first-team players such as Martin Skrtel, Daniel Sturridge, and captain Jordan Henderson, two more injuries tarnished the victory.

"It's a big shadow over the game for us," Klopp said. "I don't know how serious, and we have to wait for this. In this situation with no centre-backs fit, I would say (transfers) it's something we could look at."

Klopp decided to replace his only fit striker, Christian Benteke, with attacking midfielder Adam Lallana, who comprised a three-man attack alongside Coutinho and Roberto Firmino.

The trio ensured that Liverpool began the game at a relentless pace - harrying Stoke's defence when they had possession, and once the ball was won back, they passed it swiftly and intricately, pulling opponents out of position with their movement.