Arne Slot is going to need to make some key rotations in the League Cup on Wednesday.
The manager was dealt another injury blow at the weekend when Liverpool lost 3-2 to Brentford in the Premier League when Curtis Jones went off with an injury late on in the game.
Jones’ injury marks the fifth injury among first-team stars, alongside Alexander Isak and Jeremie Frimpong, for the manager to have to adjust to for the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.
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As Crystal Palace await Slot’s side, it will be a game where there will have to be consideration of fielding a strong XI but not risking some of the integral players who cannot afford an injury.
One of those positions that the manager will not be able to fill if another star gets injured is at right-back, as Conor Bradley is the only real choice as a right-back apart from Joe Gomez in this side.
Liverpool Unveil New Signing Calvin Ramsay
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Arne Slot should hand Calvin Ramsay first Liverpool start in 1,087 days
However, as Gomez will likely fill in with potentially a Wataru Endo at the back, similar to the last round of the cup against Southampton, it may be time for Slot to call upon Calvin Ramsay.
It may be a surprise to some to find the Scotsman has been a part of the Liverpool academy set-up this season, following loans at the likes of Wigan Athletic and Bolton Wanderers after his injuries.
The star has not competed since he started in a 2022 League Cup game against Derby County, which was won 3-2 on penalties after a goalless draw at Anfield.
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If Slot were to start the player, it would be his first in 1,087 days and would be a fair option given he does not have many choices in that position.
Many fans would be very sceptical of this choice, given he has not had many, if any, opportunities to shine in a senior red shirt, but the Scotsman has now been playing consistently on the pitch for the youth team in recent weeks.
The 22-year-old’s most recent performance came in the under-21s Merseyside Derby against Everton, in which he scored in their 4-1 victory.
It is a good sign that he can be a very interesting option in the right-back area, and if given the chance, it means Slot can save Bradley for the weekend.
Arne Slot may need to make use of the academy this week
Slot now has to make some very important decisions over the rest of the team, which will be more important for the Premier League game than they will this League Cup match.
While it is important to do well in the competition, it is not a priority in this unsettled period.
This is the time now to rely on Academy players and younger Liverpool stars in the first team to at least see through the game.
If it goes wrong, so be it, but not trying it at all would be wrong considering the issues that are currently plaguing the side and that will not be solved by fielding the first-team players in another midweek game.