This recurring issue has reared its head again ahead of a crucial fixture (or in reflection of recent clashes), as highlighted in reports from the Liverpool Echo. With Conor Bradley sidelined long-term due to his serious knee injury (potentially out until early 2027), and other defensive concerns piling up—such as Jeremie Frimpong’s groin problems and Joe Gomez’s recurring knocks—Liverpool are set to be without at least two natural right-backs for key encounters. This has forced Arne Slot into makeshift solutions, like shifting midfielders (e.g., Wataru Endo or even Dominik Szoboszlai) into defensive roles or relying on limited backups.
The pattern is nothing new:
- In past seasons under Jürgen Klopp and now Slot, Liverpool have repeatedly struggled with right-back depth when facing elite opposition like Manchester City. Trent Alexander-Arnold remains world-class when fit, but injuries, fatigue, or tactical demands expose the thin cover behind him.
- The January 2026 transfer window highlighted this exact weakness: despite aggressive pursuit of options, no immediate defensive signings materialized. Links to players like Marc Guehi (who went to City instead) and others collapsed or weren’t finalized for short-term impact.
- Instead, the club secured a major future boost with the £55m-£60m pre-agreement for Rennes’ young centre-back Jeremy Jacquet, who won’t arrive until July 2026. While he’s viewed as a long-term fix for central defense (potentially allowing shifts to a back-three system or bolstering the high line), critics and analysts label the window a “loser” for Liverpool because it failed to address the now problem—leaving the squad arguably weaker in the short term.
Pundits and outlets like ESPN and Opta have pointed out that this defensive fragility—particularly at full-back—has contributed to inconsistent performances this season. Liverpool sit outside the top four in some projections, with vulnerabilities exposed against City’s dynamic wing play (e.g., threats from Jeremy Doku or others exploiting flanks). The “one way” to solve it, per the narrative, is decisive action: either recall/loaned players, push for mid-season deals (though the window is closed), or accept the risk and hope for internal solutions until summer reinforcements arrive.
Fan frustration is mounting, with social media and forums debating whether Slot’s system exacerbates the issue or if it’s purely personnel-related. Supporters point to past successes when depth was stronger, but the consensus is clear: without bolstering right-back options urgently, the “same old problem” will persist in derailing challenges against City and in the title race.
For now, Slot and the team must adapt with what’s available—perhaps leaning on academy prospects or positional tweaks—but the underlying concern remains. A proper resolution likely requires bold recruitment moves in the next window to end this cycle once and for all. YNWA—here’s hoping the backline holds firm in the meantime.
