Pep Lijnders explains why Liverpool won't spend big in January

Liverpool assistant manager Pep Lijnders has insisted that the club are set for a quiet January transfer window, despite the injury crisis.

The Reds head into Wednesday night's Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Fulham with as many as ten first-team players unavailable, either as a result of injury or international duty.

Trent Alexander-Arnold was the latest blow to Liverpool's squad after suffering a knee injury in the Reds' FA Cup win over Arsenal on Sunday.

As a result of the vice-captain's absence, the Reds are now officially missing their four most creative players – with Mohamed Salah, Dominik Szoboszlai and Andy Robertson also out of action.

Defence is a particular concern for Jurgen Klopp's side at the moment, with Alexander-Arnold joined in the physio's room by both senior left-backs Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas, as well as Joel Matip.

However, despite the absences, Liverpool are unlikely to spend their way out of trouble this January, with Lijnders insisting that the club have faith in the squad's depth.

"We spent a lot of money in the summer. We really invested in the squad," Klopp's number two told reporters ahead of Wednesday's clash.

"The ownership brought in the right players. This means that even when you have injuries at the moment, they will be back in not that long.

"We always believe in the academy as well. You want to produce your own players to be able to compete, fight and win trophies.

"The reason we have an academy with 250 players running and dreaming and hoping [of playing for the first team] is that in these moments when a season gets tough in terms of injuries, they can back you. So far, they always did."

Several of Liverpool's young talents have been given the opportunity to shine so far in 2023/24 – with an impressive 50% of the Reds' matchday squad for the win over Arsenal having spent time in the academy.

In particular, 20-year-old Jarell Quansah has stepped up in 2023/24, making 15 appearances in all competitions so far.

Other youngsters like Ben Doak, Conor Bradley, Bobby Clark, James McConnell and even 16-year-old Trey Nyoni have also been called upon for the first team this season, while 21-year-old left back Owen Beck was recently recalled from a loan spell at Dundee to help ease the worries in defence.