Arne Slot has revealed the main reason why Joe Gomez did not play in Liverpool's 3-0 defeat against Nottingham Forest last Saturday.
In the absence of both Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong, many had expected Slot to use Gomez at right-back, a position he is capable of playing comfortably.
However, much to the surprise of many, Dominik Szoboszlai was deployed at right-back, while Gomez remained on the bench.
Without Szoboszlai in midfield, Liverpool lost drive and creativity, suffering their sixth defeat of the season.
Slot provides Gomez fitness update
The Reds boss told reporters that Gomez had knee injections in the past week and did not train as a result, which is why he did not risk him.
"He is one of the five defenders we have [available]," said Slot.
"Normally I wouldn't go into detail maybe that much but he had an injection last week on his knee.
"So, that means that's normally not because you don't feel anything.
"Apart from maybe me making the decision to play Dom or someone else in that position, this is also to do with him not being completely fit. Although, he is in the group tomorrow, as he was on Saturday. But [he] wasn't able to train last week every single time."
Liverpool need new defenders in January
© Imago / Propaganda Photo
The Reds are struggling badly at the moment, and they need some wins under their belt to regain confidence and form.
Signing a new defender is a priority in the January window, with the Reds already missing Giovanni Leoni for the rest of the season due to an ACL injury.
Gomez has struggled with his fitness in recent years, and he has made only 43 minutes of appearances in the Premier League this season.
There is no option for Slot to rotate the defence, and he cannot drop Ibrahima Konate, even though he has been making silly errors in almost every game.
Amid all this, Konate's future remains in doubt, and the Frenchman could leave the Reds for free next summer or sign a pre-contract with a foreign club in January.
Irrespective of Gomez's fitness, Liverpool should look to sign a new defender and, preferably, make another attempt to bring Marc Guehi to Anfield.
For the time being, Slot would love to see Gomez recover quickly and play a part in the team so that he can bring Szoboszlai into midfield.
Slot can also try Curtis Jones at right-back, while Calvin Ramsey, who is unavailable against PSV Eindhoven, can be another option for the Reds.