Arne Slot’s options are stretched ahead of Liverpool’s New Year’s Day fixture against Leeds United.
After a fairly serene season last year, the Reds have seen numerous injury problems arrive during the first half of the campaign.
Much of that has been focused in the defence, where Liverpool have had an ongoing problem at right-back.
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What changes does Arne Slot need to make to the team he fielded last time out vs Leeds?
Things really didn't go to plan that day…
Liverpool's lineup vs Leeds
Liverpool’s lineup vs Leeds
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Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley have both missed plenty of game time and with Joe Gomez now out of action once again, Slot has even had to throw Calvin Ramsay in for a first appearance since 2022.
Although Frimpong and Bradley are now fit and available, the Liverpool head coach is clearly assessing what further options he has at his disposal. Ahead of facing Leeds, Slot has called young right-back Josh Davidson in to train with the first team.
Josh Davidson trains ahead of Leeds fixture
During his time at Liverpool so far, Slot has seen the accusation that he does not use the club’s academy as much as he could thrown at him.
The Dutchman appears to have taken that to heart this season, with Liverpool’s talented youngsters featuring more and more in sessions with the first team.
Liverpool U21 player Josh Davidson strikes the ball during the U21 Premier League match against Manchester United
Photo by Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
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READ MORE: Liverpool’s predicted XI vs Leeds as Arne Slot makes two changes to start 2026 with a bang
Davidson is the latest to feel the benefit, having been spotted taking part alongside the senior stars during LFCTV’s latest ‘Inside Training‘ video.
The 20-year-old looks sharp as he takes on Ryan Gravenberch during a one-on-one drill, although is nicely dispossessed by the Dutch midfielder.
Slot also extended the invitation to fellow youngsters Wellity Lucky and Tommy Pilling, who were both featured during the video, as well as regulars like Trey Nyoni, Rio Ngumoha and Ramsay.
After Florian Wirtz missed training, who should replace him vs Leeds?
Is Cody Gakpo the answer…
Florian Wirtz applauds after Liverpool's UEFA Champions League match against Eintracht Frankfurt at the Deutsche Bank Park (Credit: Getty Images/Christian Kaspar-Bartke Cody Gakpo pictured in action during Liverpool's Premier League match against Leeds United at Elland Road (Credit: Getty Images/Molly Darlington).
Phot credit: Getty Images/Christian Kaspar-Bartke/Molly Darlington
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Who is Josh Davidson?
Slot handing out opportunities to young players has not been an especially regular occurrence in the past 18 months, but that does not mean it has not happened at all.
If the likes of Davidson can show something during training, they may still be given a chance by the boss.
For Davidson himself, a debut against Leeds doesn’t look especially likely given the presence of Frimpong, Bradley and Ramsay, but with an FA Cup game on the horizon, he should be busting a gut to make an impression.
As per Liverpoolfc.com, Davidson has been with the Reds since the age of six. A debut would be the crowning moment of 14 years of hard work.
Described as a ‘tough and tenacious full-back’, the Liverpool academy defender is also claimed to love getting forward, but he is yet to claim a goal or assist in eight U21 appearances this season.
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