Klopp in line to make surprising Champions League squad decision
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is in line to make a surprising squad call ahead of their Champions League game against Manchester City.
Klopp’s hand may be forced by injuries to Ragnar Klavan, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip – wrote the Liverpool Echo – which has left the squad short of cover in defence.
As a result of this, Reds youngster Conor Masterson could be in line to be brought into the 18 who will face City at Anfield on Wednesday night.
The 19-year-old trained with the first team squad on Tuesday, wrote the newspaper, as a number of academy youngsters were promoted for that session.
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However Nathaniel Phillips could also be included in the squad as the U23 defender also trained with the senior group.
Masterson has been close to first team action before and was named on the bench for an FA Cup game in 2016.
The Republic of Ireland U19 international has played 10 times for the second string as well as making seven appearances in the UEFA Youth League, but this would be an incredible step up for the defender.
Masterson has got clear pedigree and has represented his nation at youth level from U15 all the way to his current side, for whom he has played 11 times.
With Klopp’s reputation for using and developing youngsters, it’s not beyond the realms of possibility that he could force his way into the manager’s plans for next season by impressing during this short stint.
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But in all likelihood, a loan move is the more obvious path to first team football – and that experience of playing at a senior level is something Masterson currently lacks.
After the Champions League game on Wednesday night, Liverpool take on local rivals Everton in a huge derby on Saturday.
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Klopp’s side are currently in third place, but have played one more game than Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, who occupy second and fourth in the table.