Liverpool’s internal verdict on squad depth following the January transfer freeze

Liverpool Confident in Defensive Depth Despite Injury Concerns
Liverpool’s hierarchy are reportedly content with the defensive options available to Arne Slot for the remainder of the season.

On transfer deadline day, the Reds confirmed the capture of Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet, although the Frenchman will only join Anfield in the summer and will remain with his current club for the rest of the campaign. Despite several defensive injuries, Liverpool opted not to bring in any immediate first-team reinforcements during the January window.

The Premier League champions have been hit hard at the back, with Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni both ruled out for the season. Jeremie Frimpong is also currently unavailable, though Joe Gomez is close to returning, while Ibrahima Konate recently made an emotional comeback against Newcastle following the passing of his father.

According to The Athletic, Liverpool’s leadership believes the squad has enough depth to cope until the end of the season, and they are confident that Jacquet will prove a valuable addition once he arrives in the summer.

However, the situation remains fragile. Even with expected returns from Gomez and Frimpong — who is projected to be back later this month — Liverpool are still just one injury away from a defensive crisis. Recent matches have highlighted the issue, with midfielders being forced into defensive roles, including Ryan Gravenberch partnering Virgil van Dijk at centre-back and Wataru Endo filling in at right-back against Qarabag.

Dominik Szoboszlai was also deployed in an emergency defensive role against Newcastle and could be asked to do so again in upcoming fixtures before Frimpong’s return.

While Jacquet’s summer arrival is a major boost, there is concern that Liverpool’s defensive vulnerability could cost them Champions League qualification by the time he arrives. Despite the club’s confidence in their options, the Reds look set to walk a fine line at the back for the rest of the season.