Klopp sends "welcome to England" message to Diaz after Liverpool injury scare

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp told debutant Luis Diaz "welcome to England" after he survived a minor injury scare on his Anfield bow.

Diaz, who only arrived on Merseyside this week, came off the bench to register an assist, before receiving lengthy treatment after Aden Flint accidentally caught his knee.

The Colombian managed to shake off the knock, with Klopp claiming the scar will be a reminder of his first game in English football.

Klopp was speaking after his side beat Championship side Cardiff City 3-1 at Anfield to book their place in the last 16 of the FA Cup.

The Bluebirds came to Anfield to frustrate and did just that in the opening 45, restricting their Premier League opponents to minimal chances.

Have your say! How would you rate Luis Diaz's debut out of 10? Give your marks here

In fact, the visitors could have had a first-half penalty after Ibrahima Konate appeared to bundle over Mark Harris in the box, only for referee Andrew Madley to wave away protests.

Liverpool then broke Cardiff's resistance shortly after the break when Diogo Jota scored his 15th of the season, flicking home a brilliant Trent Alexander-Arnold free kick.

The Reds boss then introduced £50million January signing Diaz, who took advantage of a Perry Ng mistake to tee up Takumi Minamino for a second goal.

Minutes later, the tricky winger was left in a heap after a stud to the knee, but Klopp confirmed it was nothing more than a cut and a bruise.

"He has a cut and a bruise - everybody told him 'welcome to England!'," he told ITV Sport. "He will maybe have a little scar to remember his first game, but he is all good. All fine."

Harvey Elliott was also introduced, ending his five-month injury absence, following a sickening ankle dislocation against Leeds at the start of the campaign.

And in a positive cameo, the teenager netted his first Liverpool goal, volleying home in front of the Kop to all-but confirm their safe passage.

The teenager paid tribute to the medical staff at the club, with Klopp labelling him "fearless" after returning to fitness well ahead of schedule.

He added: "He was unlucky with the injury, but then lucky with the whole process afterwards. He did an incredible job, he was patient enough and desperate enough to come back.

"Harvey and the medical department did an incredible job. He is fearless. He dealt with his injury perfectly - he is back and it is really nice.

"The goal was a really touching moment. It's cool."

Liverpool will now face Norwich City in the last 16 later this month, with the Reds still battling on four fronts.