Arne Slot bolsters Liverpool's injury-hit squad with two new academy players
Arne Slot, the manager of Liverpool FC, has brought in two additional players from the club's academy to bolster the team's training resources as they grapple with a persistent injury crisis. The move comes ahead of Sunday's Premier League match against Nottingham Forest, with the Reds aiming to secure a Champions League spot next season. Slot's team is keen to improve their chances of clinching a top-four finish, with the Dutch manager seeking his first victory over Forest in four attempts.
The two new players, Josh Davidson and Terence Miles, joined the first-team training on Wednesday, providing much-needed defensive cover. Davidson, a 20-year-old right-back, has been with the club since he was six years old, having signed his first professional contract in October 2022. Miles, 21, also plays at right-back but can step in as a centre-back if required. Neither player is expected to be on the bench against Forest this weekend, with their primary role being to mimic match situations during training sessions.
This move comes after Slot confirmed that Jeremie Frimpong, a Dutch international right-back, will miss the Forest match due to a thigh injury sustained in the Champions League clash with Qarabag. Frimpong's absence leaves Liverpool short-handed at right-back, with Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni, and Wataru Endo also on the sidelines. The team's injury woes have been further exacerbated by the recent absence of Joe Gomez, who is set to return to the starting lineup if needed. Additionally, Alexander Isak, who has been out since breaking his leg in December, is expected to make a comeback towards the end of March or beginning of April, provided his recovery progresses without any setbacks.
Slot's decision to bring in these young players from the academy highlights his commitment to developing talent within the club. With the season drawing to a close, the team's focus is on securing a top-four finish and a Champions League spot. The addition of these players provides much-needed depth and competition for places, as they aim to build momentum for the final stretch of the season.
