Jurgen Klopp has confirmed to the Liverpool Echo that Liverpool youngster Billy Koumetio will be training with the first-team in the build-up to their game against West Ham United.
The 17-year-old Frenchman has a real chance of featuring for Liverpool now, as their injuries at the back mount up.
Virgil van Dijk is out for the season, Joel Matip is on the treatment table, and Fabinho suffered a hamstring issue last night.
It means that Liverpool are now down to the bare bones in central defence, with Rhys Williams having to come on in their 2-0 Champions League victory over Midtjylland.
And Klopp has suggested that a number of Liverpool’s youngsters could now get a chance, with Koumetio set to train with the senior squad.
“He [Rhys Williams] did really well,” Klopp said. “Now we have four days until West Ham and you will make a story about him. He is a talent, 19. More CL mins than PL mins, 2 CL apps and won both. Promising. We have Nat Phillips [for PL] he’s a centre-back. Billy, he will train.”
Despite their injuries Liverpool have continued to pick up victories, but their challenge is just getting harder and harder at the moment.
Klopp admitted after the game that Fabinho’s current problem has come at the worst time.
If Koumetio is given a chance he will be one of the youngest defenders to ever make their Premier League debut for Liverpool.
The teenager did impress in pre-season when he was with the first-team, and there are extremely high hopes for his future at Anfield.
Liverpool’s trophies under Jurgen Klopp
- Champions League
2018/19
- UEFA Super Cup
2019
- FIFA Club World Cup
2019
- Premier League
2019/20
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