Liverpool’s lack of squad depth has been further exposed ahead of the meeting with Sunderland.
Jamie Carragher thinks Liverpool made a mistake not signing a defender after Jeremy Jacquet in the January transfer window.
He may well have a point, given the state of the Reds’ defence options right now.
Jeremie Frimpong, Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez have all been absent recently, leaving Dominik Szoboszlai to fill in at right-back.
Do we all agree it’s time for Arne Slot to drop Cody Gakpo vs Sunderland? 🔄
What would your starting line-up be for the game? 🔮
Cody Gakpo pictured in action during Liverpool's Premier League match against Leeds United at Elland Road.
Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images
However, Szoboszlai was sent off against Manchester City and will now miss the Premier League meeting with Sunderland on Wednesday.
Curtis Jones will likely start at right-back against the Black Cats, but the Hungarian’s absence has caused another issue.
Dominik Szoboszlai’s absence leaves Liverpool seriously short of depth vs Sunderland
Due to a number of injury issues and zero new signings arriving in January, Liverpool’s squad remains very thin.
MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES
This meant that even before Szoboszlai was out, Slot was selecting two goalkeepers and three youngsters on the bench every single week.
None have been awarded any meaningful minutes, but they have been used to make up the numbers.
But now Szoboszlai is suspended, Slot will likely have to call up yet another Liverpool Academy product to the matchday squad on February 11.
The obvious name to be promoted into the senior squad for the week is 15-year-old sensation Josh Abe.
Which exciting Liverpool youngster will have the brightest future at Anfield?
Trey Nyoni in action during Liverpool's pre-season friendly against Athletic Bilbao at Anfield. Rio Ngumoha of Liverpool celebrates at full-time following the team's victory in the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Liverpool at St James' Park
Credit: George Wood/Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Getty Images
Josh Abe excelling at U18 level for Liverpool
Abe trained with the first team prior to the Manchester City fixture, along with usual suspects Rio Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni.
He didn’t get in the team this past weekend, but Szoboszlai’s absence could be the opening he needs for a call-up.
Abe is a natural right-winger, so he won’t be filling in at right-back. But his promotion would be more about making up numbers in a depleted squad that is already having to name two goalkeepers on the bench every week.
The 15-year-old is a regular starter at U18 level and has five goals and two assists in nine U18 Premier League games this term.
He also made his England U16 debut in 2025, and now has three goals in five matches for the Young Lions.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox