Liverpool are still licking their wounds from Sunday’s 4-1 thrashing at the hands of Manchester City, but will have to be on their game this weekend.
The Reds were demolished in a superb second half showing from City, with Ilkay Gunodgan, Raheem Sterling and Phil Foden running riot.
Liverpool’s defensive issues were on show once again, as makeshift centre back pairing Fabinho and Jordan Henderson couldn’t slow City down.
With Joel Matip, Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez all out injured for the rest of the season, it’s been a tricky few months for Jurgen Klopp at centre back.
Two centre backs did arrive on deadline day though; Ben Davies came in from Preston and was on the bench against Brighton last week, but was left out against City.
Instead, Ozan Kabak was on the bench, serving as an unused substitute following his last-gasp loan move from Schalke.
The 20-year-old seemingly wasn’t deemed ready to be thrown in against City, but he may end up being needed against Leicester City this weekend.
Liverpool really can’t afford to lose that game, and James Pearce of The Athletic believes Kabak is primed to start having worked with his new team for more than a week now.
Pearce suggests that not facing City was understandable, but it’s now time to use him against Brendan Rodges’ Foxes this weekend.
“With a full week to prepare at Kirkby I’d be surprised if Kabak didn’t make his debut at Leicester. I just think that, having signed him, you’ve got to now use him. Whilst City was understandable, being a bit cautious because of the calibre of the opposition and the lack of training time. He needs to play at Leicester – that then releases Henderson to play in his normal position,” he added.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
