'Excellent' Liverpool prospect handed surprise Brighton chance

Liverpool's problems in defence this season have been well-documented.

Right-back has been a particular issue - with Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley suffering significant injury disruption.

And at centre-back too there has been trouble since Giovanni Leoni's season-ending injury.

Even reserves - such as Joe Gomez and Wataru Endo - have had injuries with the Japan captain now set for an extended spell on the sidelines.

Clae Ewing called up

One area which has been well covered so far by Milos Kerkez - the new £40m signing from Bournemouth - and Andy Robertson is left-back.

Robertson, 31, has deputised well for the 22-year-old - performing admirably in the hard-fought 1-0 win against Sunderland on Wednesday.

Either Kerkez or Robertson can reasonably be expected to start against Brighton the FA Cup tonight - but there could be a new face on the bench as cover.

Clae Ewing, a 19-year-old left-back and left-sided midfield player, was handed a surprise call-up for first-team training on Friday just one day before the cup tie at Anfield.

Ewing an 'excellent' prospect

Ex-Liverpool under-21 coach Barry Lewtas described Ewing as "excellent" following debut last season but the youngster's promising campaign was curtailed in March owing to injury.

Back in action after several months out Ewing was given an opportunity to impress Arne Slot and his senior coaching staff.

He has made seven appearances so far this season at Premier League 2 level - and trained with the first-team this week alongside other prospects like Amara Nallo and Kieran Morrison.

Ewing's inclusion could mean that Robertson is considered as a back-up option at centre-back tonight owing to the injuries suffered by both Endo and Leoni.

The left-sider signed his first professional deal back in 2025 - having initially joined the Reds at U21 level some years ago.

🔴 Shop the LFC 2025/26 adidas home range

👉🏻 Liverpool get GREEN light to sign Nico Schlotterbeck

👉🏻 Centre-back confirms he's ready to join Liverpool

👉🏻 Fabrizio Romano CONFIRMS belief £52m Liverpool target will agree move