Liverpool transfer news: Left back leaves in loan deal

Liverpool youngster Luke Chambers has joined League One side Wigan Athletic on loan for the rest of 2023/24.

Following Fabio Carvalho's loan switch to Hull City earlier this week, young left-back Chambers is the latest player out the door on a temporary switch during the January transfer window.

The 19-year-old was reportedly wanted by Xabi Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen over the summer, but remained at Anfield and has made four appearances in the League Cup and Europa League in 2023/24 so far.

However, despite the injury crisis at left back, the Preston-born defender – who spent time on loan at Kilmarnock – has not yet made his Premier League debut, with Joe Gomez most recently preferred in the position.

It has now been confirmed that Chambers – who joined at the Reds at the age of six – has signed for Wigan on loan, in order to "build up further experience at senior level."

The move further depletes Jurgen Klopp's options at left-back, with the versatile Gomez the only fit senior option with experience in the role in the absences of Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas.

The Reds have, however, recalled 21-year-old Owen Beck from Dundee FC (below) to provide extra cover, while 18-year-old Calum Scanlon made his first-team debut in the Europa League earlier this season and is another option, albeit an inexperienced one.

The move sends a signal that Chambers is perhaps considered behind the other young talents in the pecking order.

When could Liverpools left backs return?

Left back has become a problem position for Liverpool this season.

First-choice Robertson has been missing since October after undergoing surgery on a dislocated shoulder suffered during the international break.

Meanwhile, his stand-in Tsimikas had to be substituted during the draw with Arsenal before Christmas after sustaining a broken collarbone in a collision with Bukayo Saka.

The blows have left Liverpool short on options, with defensive resources further stretched by the long-term injury to Joel Matip and recent knock to Trent Alexander-Arnold.

As for when the missing duo could return, both Robertson and Tsimikas are slated for a return to team training by the end of January should all go to plan.

Speaking earlier this week, Liverpool assistant manager Pep Lijnders told reporters: "Robbo, he's almost at the three-month mark, so he will get checked by the surgeon.