Liverpool moved quickly to protect Rhian Brewster after Divock Origi picked up an injury against Newcastle.
Origi was forced off in the first-half after appearing to twist his ankle.
The Belgian had been brought into the line-up in place of no. 1 striker Roberto Firmino, who was supposed to be handed a rest.
But with Origi now facing a short-term layoff, Brewster is effectively Firmino’s deputy.
And to ensure he was available as cover for the trip to Napoli in midweek, Brewster was substituted 20 minutes into the subsequent Premier League 2 game against Derby County.
This Is Anfield‘s Jack Lusby reported that the 19-year-old did not look to be injured, suggesting this was very much a tactical decision.
We can expect to see him on the bench at the Stadio San Paolo, with a first start looking increasingly likely against MK Dons in the Carabao Cup later this month.
Liverpool’s Under-23s would go on to draw the game 3-3, with Curtis Jones among the goals.
The result leaves them bottom of the table after a disappointing start.