19-year-old prospect should finally be about to get a game for Liverpool now

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Liverpool have been dealt a fresh injury concern ahead of the busy festive schedule.

As well as the serious-sounding issue for Joel Matip, reports filtered through last night that youngster Ben Doak is now carrying a knock, too.

Although not yet a regular on Jurgen Klopp’s starting XI, Doak has become a feature of the senior squad already. With the Scotsman reportedly in-line to play in the Europa League against Union Saint-Gilloise next week [Lewis Steele], it’s a blow for Liverpool.

However, they shouldn’t be too downbeat. Because in Doak’s absence, they already have another young prospect ready to fill in: Kaide Gordon.

It has been a nightmare two years for Gordon, who’s last appearance for Liverpool came in January 2022. But finally now on the road to recovery, he’s been training with the Reds‘ senior side for the past few weeks.

As a result, the if Doak should he have to sit out a week on Thursday, the 19-year-old would seem like a ready-made replacement.

Gordon ready for return

In ordinary circumstances, perhaps Gordon wouldn’t be the obvious choice to fill in for Doak next week.

But it’s that rarest of occasions in competitive football where there’s absolutely nothing on the game. Not for Liverpool anyway.

The Reds could lose 10-0 and it wouldn’t mean anything. They’re home and hosed as winners of their Europa League group. It’s a completely free hit.

Consequently, it now feels like the perfect opportunity to give Gordon some senior game time.

Already without Diogo Jota, Klopp doesn’t need to risk any of his forward options. One or two might get a little run out just to make up the numbers, but with players like Gordon to come in, there may not be any need even for that.

Kaide is certainly capable. Two years ago he was seen as a player who could genuinely be used in the first-team. He started the Carabao Cup semi-final away at Arsenal and scored his first goal for Liverpool aged just 17 – a finish Klopp called ‘exceptional’ [The Daily Mail].

In light of his injury troubles, doubt has inevitably been cast on Gordon’s ability to replicate and build on that now. With players like Doak now ahead of him in the queue, perhaps that’s a fair question.

Next Thursday should finally give him the chance to answer some of those doubts. It’s been a long, long time coming, but we could be about to see a forgotten young man re-announce himself.