Liverpool's Defensive Crisis Deepens as Slot Admits Squad Depth Concerns
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has openly acknowledged the significant challenges facing his squad, revealing that the club currently has only 16 players available for selection. This admission comes amid a defensive injury crisis that has left the Premier League champions short-handed for the crucial final stretch of the season.
Transfer Deadline Day Disappointment Compounds Problems
The situation was exacerbated by Liverpool's failure to secure a defensive reinforcement on transfer deadline day. The club had targeted Netherlands international Lutsharel Geertruida, who is currently on loan at Sunderland from RB Leipzig. Despite the player's interest in the move, the deal collapsed because Sunderland were unable to find a suitable replacement, leaving Liverpool's defensive vulnerabilities unaddressed.
While Liverpool did secure the £60 million signing of Jérémy Jacquet from Rennes for next season, this long-term investment does little to alleviate their immediate concerns. The French defender will not join until the summer, meaning Slot must navigate the current campaign with limited options at the back.
Injury List Leaves Liverpool Dangerously Thin
Slot confirmed that Liverpool are without two defenders for the remainder of the season: Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni. Additionally, Jeremie Frimpong is sidelined with a hip injury, though there is some positive news as Joe Gomez could return to the bench against Manchester City this weekend after missing the past two games with his own hip problem.
The Liverpool head coach expressed satisfaction with his squad's quality but acknowledged the precarious nature of their situation. "I'm very happy with the squad, let that be clear," Slot stated. "But it's obvious we have three long-term injuries. That's why we tried to strengthen in the winter break and the player you mentioned, in the end, wasn't available."
"A Hell of a Challenge" Ahead
With a demanding schedule of three games in seven days approaching, Slot emphasized that preventing further injuries is paramount to Liverpool's ambitions. "This squad is able to do better and more than we've done until now, in my opinion, but then they all need to stay available," he explained. "That's going to be a hell of a challenge because we have three games in seven days coming up."
The manager also addressed the club's transfer strategy, which prioritizes long-term development over immediate fixes. "I always want the best for the club even if in the short term it is not ideal for me," Slot said. "I knew which club I went into. This club has a model of signing talented players younger. I have always liked to work in that way."
Despite the current difficulties, Slot remains optimistic about his squad's potential, though he cautioned that any additional injury setbacks would make their task "even more difficult." With key defenders unavailable and minimal cover, Liverpool's depth will be severely tested as they compete on multiple fronts in the coming weeks.
