A general view of a Liverpool corner flag inside the stadium prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between Liverpool FC and Real Madrid C.F. at Anfield on November 04, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)placeholder image
A general view of a Liverpool corner flag inside the stadium prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between Liverpool FC and Real Madrid C.F. at Anfield on November 04, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Liverpool currently have Conor Bradley, Jeremie Frimpong and Giovanni Leoni on the sidelines.
Liverpool have suffered their latest injury concern amid a shortage of defenders.
The Reds’ issue in the rearguard are well documented. Arne Slot was missed four members of his backline for last weekend’s 4-1 victory over Newcastle United. Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni are ruled out for the rest of the season with respective knee injuries, while Jeremie Frimpong is back on the treatment table with a groin issue. In addition, Joe Gomez was not fit enough to be involved against Newcastle as he has had a hip problem.
As a result, it left Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate - returning from compassionate leave - as Liverpool’s only recognised centre-backs while Dominik Szoboszlai had to operate as an auxiliary right-back.
To supplement the Reds’ squad, Calvin Ramsay was on the bench for a ninth successive Premier League game. The 22-year-old has played just once this season. In addition, Slot called up Amara Nallo to take up a berth among the substitutes to serve as back-up for Van Dijk and Konate.
The 19-year-old centre-half came off the bench in a 6-0 Champions League victory over Qarabag last week. There was a possibility that Nallo could have departed on loan before the winter transfer window closed, but he remained on Merseyside.
On deadline day, he travelled with the Liverpool under-19s for their UEFA Youth League last-32 clash against MSK Zilina. The Reds suffered a shock 2-1 loss against the Slovakia outfit in front of more than 10,000 supporters. And in the closing stages of the clash, Nallo had to be withdrawn. The former West Ham United man was substituted in the 85th minute after receiving treatment.
Wellity Lucky, another 19-year-old defender, is already on the sidelined with a hamstring problem and there will be hope that Nallo has avoided a serious problem.
Liverpool turn their attention to the clash against Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday. Head coach Slot will be hoping that Gomez can bolster his defensive options for the crunch encounter. The England international’s fitness problem is not thought to be serious.
The Reds did try to bolster their options before the transfer window closed. However, they were unable to strike a deal for Lutsharel Geertruida, who is currently on loan at Sunderland from Red Bull Leipzig.
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