Liverpool promote academy defenders to training squad amid injury crisis
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has drafted two academy defenders into first-team training to alleviate a defensive injury crisis ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest.
The Reds are aiming to secure a third consecutive victory as the race for Champions League qualification intensifies.
However, the Merseyside club’s campaign has been disrupted by inconsistency and a recurring number of fitness issues.
Significant absences to Conor Bradley, Jeremie Frimpong and Wataru Endo have left the squad with limited options at the back.
Slot has subsequently moved to bolster his preparations by integrating youth prospects into the senior setup.
Duo handed first-team chance
Full-backs Josh Davidson and Terence Miles joined the senior group for training on Wednesday.
Davidson, 20, has been with the club since the age of six, while 21-year-old Miles is capable of operating at centre-half.
While neither player is expected to start at the City Ground, their promotion underscores the lack of depth currently available to the Dutch head coach.
The move is seen as a proactive measure to ensure the squad remains stocked should further defensive issues arise.
Slot opted against signing immediate defensive reinforcements in January, although French defender Jeremy Jacquet is set to arrive in the summer.
Leipzig winger linked with Anfield switch
Speculation continues to link Liverpool with a substantial summer move for RB Leipzig forward Yan Diomande.
The 19-year-old has reportedly been monitored by the club’s recruitment team, including chief executive of football Michael Edwards.
Diomande has recorded 15 goal contributions in 25 appearances for the Bundesliga outfit this season.
Reports suggest the Ivory Coast international is being considered as a potential long-term successor to Mohamed Salah.
Any potential deal would likely require a significant financial outlay.
Valuations for the teenager currently stand at around £87m, with the total package potentially exceeding £100m.
However, Leipzig’s negotiating position could be weakened if they fail to qualify for European competition next season.