Liverpool are preparing to face Girona in the Champions League amid ongoing injury problems in defence.
The Reds were given a small boost over the weekend after seeing their Merseyside Derby fixture with Everton postponed.
The cancellation meant Arne Slot was able to rest his full Liverpool squad, some of whoms’s legs were getting noticeably weary.
Nevertheless, there are still issues for Slot to navigate, with left-back a particular area of concern.
Kostas Tsimikas is still injured, while Andy Robertson has played 90 minutes in each of the past three games.
With Joe Gomez also needed at centre-half, Slot has included Liverpool academy left-back James Norris in his travelling squad for the Girona clash.
(THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) James Norris of Liverpool during a training session at AXA Training Centre on November 19, 2024 in Kirkby, Eng...
Photo by Nikki Dyer – LFC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
James Norris set for surprise chance
Liverpool do have some highly-rated left-back prospects coming through at the academy.
However, Luke Chambers and Owen Beck are both currently out on-loan, with Chambers injured for the foreseeable future anyway.
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As a result, Tsimikas’ injury and Robertson’s over-use have opened the door for Norris to be involved.
The 21-year-old has played for the Liverpool first-team previously.
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Norris was one who made his debut during the Carabao Cup game against Aston Villa in 2019 while the senior side were away at the Club World Cup. He then followed that up with a late FA Cup appearance against Shrewsbury Town in 2022.
And given the current state of affairs, there is a genuine chance that Norris could get a Champions League start for Liverpool in Girona on Tuesday.
What is James Norris’ style of play?
Slot insinuated during his Monday press conference that he is likely to go strong with his team during the game with Girona.
Despite that, there is a clear need for caution with Robertson, who has played a lot of football recently.
As it’s still unclear how long Tsimikas will be missing, the Liverpool head coach cannot afford to take too much chance with the 30-year-old.
With that in mind, Norris may get the nod. Described by liverpoolfc.com as an ‘energetic left-back who can also play midfield,’ the former Tranmere Rovers loanee is said to have a ‘sweet left foot’ and also ‘loves to get forward and support the attack.’
His career up to this point has suggested that a long-term future at Liverpool is not on the cards for Norris. But a good showing in Tuesday’s game could change all of that. Go and grab this chance, James!
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