🔴 Liverpool Name New Addition to Champions League Roster Amid Defensive Crisis Ahead of Qarabag Clash
Liverpool have made a late adjustment to their UEFA Champions League squad ahead of Wednesday’s important tie against Qarabag FK, as injuries continue to bite into their defensive options.
The Reds head into the final group-stage match at Anfield on January 28, 2026 knowing that a victory would secure automatic progression to the round of 16 — but they’re hampered by a growing list of absentees at the back.
Central defender Joe Gomez limped out of Liverpool’s recent Premier League defeat to Bournemouth after colliding awkwardly with goalkeeper Alisson Becker, and head coach Arne Slot has now confirmed the Englishman will be unavailable for the Qarabag game due to the injury sustained in that incident.
Meanwhile, Ibrahima Konaté is also ruled out, with the French centre-back missing due to personal reasons following the passing of his father. That leaves Virgil van Dijk as the only fully fit senior centre-back in the squad, with academy and fringe players having already been called up to provide cover.
Slot has hinted at tactical adjustments to cope with the defensive shortage, including the possibility of using midfielder Wataru Endō in a deeper role — something he briefly did when replacing the injured Gomez at Bournemouth.
On a more positive note, full-back Andy Robertson has been retained in the squad after transfer speculation this week, and key attacking players like Federico Chiesa are back in training following fitness doubts.
Liverpool’s difficult season in domestic competition has contrasted with a relatively strong European campaign, but this weekend’s defensive setbacks mean Slot will need to reshape his back line if they are to finish the group phase on a high and push on in Europe.
