Liverpool appear to be stabilising after a difficult autumn, but questions remain over whether Arne Slot’s squad is sufficiently equipped for the second half of the season.
Despite record-breaking investment in the summer, the January transfer window is increasingly viewed as a moment to reassess areas where the squad still feels light.
In a recent article assessing Liverpool’s options, Lewis Steele outlined why January may not be as quiet as initially anticipated. Injuries have played a role, but Steele’s insight also points towards underlying concerns around squad balance and which players Slot truly trusts during key moments.
Federico Chiesa Yet to Earn Slot’s Trust
Liverpool's Federico Chiesa during their match against Crystal Palace.
Carabao Cup - Fourth Round - Liverpool v Crystal Palace - Anfield, Liverpool, Britain - October 29, 2025 Liverpool's Federico Chiesa looks dejected REUTERS/Phil Noble
Based on Steele’s reporting, Federico Chiesa has yet to fully earn the trust of Slot. While Chiesa has been available, his lack of minutes and limited role have stood out, especially during periods when Liverpool’s attacking options have been stretched.
Rather than a fitness issue, it's suggested that the situation is rooted in selection preference. Despite Liverpool being light in forward areas, Chiesa, who earns £180,000-a-week, has continued to be overlooked, pointing towards a clear trust issue rather than simple rotation.
That uncertainty has left Liverpool with fewer dependable attacking options than anticipated and placed additional pressure on younger players, including Rio Ngumoha. The teenager was one reason Liverpool opted against signing a ready-made wide forward in the summer, but his limited involvement so far has only highlighted how thin the margins are.
Injuries and Thin Depth Sharpen January Focus
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Liverpool’s attacking issues have been compounded by Alexander Isak’s broken leg, which is set to sideline the forward for several months. Defensively, the long-term absence of young centre-back Giovanni Leoni has further exposed a lack of depth.
Liverpool retain an interest in Antoine Semenyo despite increasing noise around a potential move to Manchester City. The situation is described as fluid, with Liverpool prepared to react should encouragement arrive from the player’s camp.
At the back, the Reds remain admirers of Marc Guéhi after coming close to a deal in September. While a free transfer in the summer remains appealing, there is growing awareness internally that Liverpool are only one further injury away from being overstretched.
Slot has consistently stated that Liverpool do not look to fix problems by defaulting to the transfer market. However, January may force a more pragmatic reassessment considering the issues they have.
Chiesa’s situation does not dictate Liverpool’s plans on its own, but it underlines a wider issue around trust and attacking depth. If those doubts persist, pressure to reinforce - rather than wait - may become unavoidable.
Liverpool's Alexander Isak is helped off the pitch after sustaining an injury and is substituted vs Tottenham Hotspur Related
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