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Whether it's only 15 players healthy or 15 players in training, there's no questioning the fact that Liverpool's squad needs serious strengthening. Most prefer that the club do so in the transfer window given that the transfer window is actually open right now, but to this point Liverpool have missed out on their top target with little to suggest than any other signings are imminent.
That's made for a rough few days in the world of Liverpool supporters, who have seen their side compete near the top of the Premier League table for most of the season; their time at the summit proved short-lived, but there's a sense that with a few parts added, this is a team that can finally claim themselves challengers for Champions League football.
And while the additions may yet come, Brendan Rodgers is--whether by choice or by force--turning instead to players in the youth ranks, with James Pearce from the Liverpool Echo reporting that each of Brad Smith, Jordan Rossiter, and Cameron Brannagan could make tomorrow's matchday squad. All three have made the bench for the senior squad before, with Brannagan named in the squad for the Third Round win over Oldham at Anfield, while both Smith and Rossiter were included at Stamford Bridge, with Smith handed a debut Premier League appearance after replacing the injured Joe Allen.
I don't think many would object to seeing all three get a handful of minutes here or there, though it's hard to see any of the promising trio making a start. Smith would seem the most likely, but with Jon Flanagan reportedly back from injury, it would appear that late substitute appearances in a match that's already settled is the most they could hope for.
Regardless, it's fairly positive news amidst a steady stream of other things that are decidedly not that, so enjoy or at least feel not entirely miserable. At least until later on today when more nothings happen.
