Liverpool defender CONFIRMS big injury boost

Liverpool have been going through a bit of a defensive injury crisis in recent weeks, with a number of players missing key games.

It has led to Arne Slot employing certain players out of position as the boss juggles the demands of Liverpool’s hectic winter schedule, balancing the need to win each game with resting players where possible.

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Slot has been without Ibrahima Konate and Conor Bradley for a number of weeks, after both defensive stars were injured in the Reds’ Champions League win over Real Madrid at the end of November.

He’s also lost Kostas Tsimikas and Trent Alexander-Arnold at points in this period, alongside Andy Robertson’s suspension after his red card against Fulham last weekend.

It meant Liverpool’s back four in the Carabao Cup quarter-final during the week featured Wataru Endo, with Tyler Morton filling in at right-back in the second half.

Liverpool's defense is in a transition period in many ways, with Milos Kerkez expected to join as an Andy Robertson replacement, Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk's contract situations yet to be resolved, and Konate's ongoing injury problems.

It opens the door for younger players in the Liverpool squad to stake their claim in Slot's squad going forward, and one young star who has already made a first-team impression has received a huge injury boost.

Luke Chambers injury boost confirmed

Left-back Luke Chambers has been out on loan at League One side Wigan this season, rejoining the club after a successful loan in the second half of last season.

He made 11 appearances for the Latics this season before a recurring back injury came to the fore once again, which has kept him out of action since October.

Speaking at the time, Wigan boss Shaun Maloney feared that it would be the end of his season: "It doesn't look too good a prognosis. He's going to be out for a fair period of time. You're not going to see him back on the field for quite a while."

The injury is one that has been ongoing for a number of years, with the 20-year-old returning to Liverpool to receive treatment in October.

However, Maloney has confirmed that Chambers has received a huge injury boost and will be back much sooner than expected.

"Luke's due to come back to us at the end of January to start the next phase of his rehab," he told Wigan Today. "The expectation at the moment is he could even be match ready by the end of February, beginning of March. "If I know Luke, he'll be trying to accelerate that, but that's the time frame at the moment.

"He's such an important player for us...even if it's March, and we get him for eight weeks - or 12 weeks, depending on how the season goes - that will be a boost for everyone."

Chambers, who made his Liverpool debut in the Carabao Cup last season, will be hoping to get back on the pitch as soon as possible to continue his impressive development.

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