Liverpool’s injury struggles at centre-back have been one of the major talking points of the season so far.
The Reds have somehow managed with virtually two options at central defence for the whole of the Premier League season so far, with Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate starting every game.
Joe Gomez is back fit again, but is currently being preferred at right-back, meaning Arne Slot is having to heavily rely on his two first-choice picks.
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Whether Liverpool do business in the January transfer window remains to be seen, but signing a player of the calibre of a Marc Guehi, for example, would be welcomed amongst the fanbase.
Bringing in a new player is not the only way the Reds can help themselves, however, and there are now suggestions that Slot is ready to look towards the Liverpool academy to bolster the numbers.
Wellity Lucky being primed for Liverpool chance
Centre-back shortages are not a new problem for Liverpool. The Reds had an even bigger issue in 2020/21, when they were left without a single fit senior defender.
On that occasion, Jurgen Klopp promoted Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams who went on to help Liverpool finish in third-place.
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Two years later, having seen Joel Matip pick up another serious knee injury, Jarell Quansah was parachuted in and became another academy success story.
And now, according to The Daily Mail, Spanish youngster Wellity Lucky is ready to take advantage of another situation.
Lucky is said to be ‘on track’ to play again in the first-team after making his senior debut in the Carabao Cup against Crystal Palace in October.
Described as a ‘class act,’ the 19-year-old is claimed to be ‘quick, calm in possession’ and ‘physical’ enough to make his mark in the first-team. Having been on the bench for Tuesday’s win over Inter Milan, Lucky could reportedly be involved in January’s FA Cup tie with Barnsley.
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Liverpool set to sign young Celtic defender
As well as promoting Lucky for a first-team chance, Liverpool look set to bolster their youth team ranks further with a new addition.
As per The Mail, the Reds are poised to sign 15-year-old Dara Jikiemi from Celtic.
Jikiemi’s move south of the border is said to be ‘heading in the right direction’, with Liverpool claimed to have beaten away competition from Nottingham Forest.
The teenager is described as a ‘wonderkid’ who looks likely to follow Ben Gannon-Doak’s path from Glasgow to Merseyside.
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