Liverpool have included academy centre back Amara Nallo in their Champions League squad for Wednesday’s league phase match against Qarabag, as defensive options continue to dwindle.
With both Joe Gomez and Ibrahima Konaté unavailable, Virgil van Dijk remains the only fit and experienced central defender at Arne Slot’s disposal. As a result, the Liverpool head coach has turned to the 19-year-old, drafting him into the squad to provide cover at the back.
Nallo has been promoted from List B, which allows clubs to register eligible youth players for European competitions. The young defender has already made two senior appearances for Liverpool, although both outings ended in red cards, and he was recently omitted from the matchday squad.
His inclusion also follows an injury setback to fellow Under-21 defender Wellity Lucky, who has been ruled out with a thigh problem, further limiting Liverpool’s defensive depth ahead of the Qarabag encounter.
