Liverpool Faces Squad Depth Challenges Ahead of Nottingham Forest Clash
After a full pre-season under the leadership of Andoni Iraola, Liverpool continues to face concerns regarding squad depth, particularly on the flanks. In their recent 2-2 draw against Newcastle United at St James’ Park, the team struggled with the absence of a solid ‘number 6’ and highlighted the mediocre performance of their fullback duo. As the summer transfer window nears its end, the club is actively pursuing attacking reinforcements.
Fans are keen to see the team’s response as they prepare for their upcoming match against Nottingham Forest on Saturday. Meanwhile, a few promising players currently on loan are gaining valuable first-team experience with their respective clubs.
Ármin Pécsi (GK – TSV Hartberg)
The 21-year-old Hungarian international, who joined Liverpool last summer from Puskás Akadémia, is currently on loan to Austrian Bundesliga side TSV Hartberg for more consistent playing time. With Alisson Becker, Giorgi Mamardashvili, and Freddie Woodman ahead of him in the goalkeeper hierarchy, Pécsi has se secured the starting goalkeeper position under coach Markus Schopp. He delivered an impressive performance in a dramatic 2-1 victory over Altach, making several outstanding diving saves and surpassing the expected goals on target (xGOT) of 1.76.
Milos Kerkez has struggled to impress following his high-profile transfer from Bournemouth. In contrast, Calum Scanlon has been making waves with consecutive strong performances as a left-back in the English Championship. He played the full game against Derby County, effectively balancing defensive duties with offensive contributions, including duels, clearances, recoveries, overlapping runs, and passes into the attacking third.
Kieran Morrison (RW – Sheffield Wednesday)
Sheffield Wednesday secured the talented teenager Kieran Morrison, who is eager for an immediate return to the Championship. Manager Henrik Pedersen introduced him as a second-half substitute during their disappointing 1-0 loss to Bradford City at Hillsborough. Operating from his favored right-wing position, the Northern Irish winger used his natural left foot to cut inside and attempted to generate chances late in the match. He displayed glimpses of his potential and is anticipated to play a more significant role in upcoming games.
Kyle Kelly (DM – Forest Green Rovers)
The 20-year-old midfielder Kyle Kelly, representing Saint Kitts and Nevis, has joined non-league Forest Green Rovers on a six-month loan. He has appeared as a substitute in all three league matches this season, including a 3-0 defeat against Boreham Wood. Despite the loss, Kelly’s introduction helped stabilize the defense, as they did not concede further after his entry, highlighting his contribution in the crucial midfield role.
Additionally, central defenders Ifeanyi Ndukwe and Amara Nallo, along with Polish goalkeeper Fabian Mrozek, remained unused substitutes for their respective clubs, Levante, HJK, and FC Cincinnati.
After a full pre-season under new boss Andoni Iraola, Liverpool still lack the depth down the flanks. While they are working on multiple attacking additions before the summer window shuts, the absence of a ‘number 6′ and the mediocrity of their fullback pair were in plain sight against Newcastle United in a last-gasp 2-2 draw at St James’ Park.
Fans are eager to see how the squad reacts against Nottingham Forest on Saturday lunchtime. Also, a few of their potential future stars, currently out on loan, gained the much-needed first-team experience for their respective clubs.
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Ármin Pécsi (GK – TSV Hartberg)
The 21-year-old Hungarian international joined the Reds last summer from Puskás Akadémia. But he has been loaned out to Austrian Bundesliga outfit TSV Hartberg for regular gametime, with the veteran Alisson Becker, Giorgi Mamardashvili and Freddie Woodman ahead of him in the pecking order in Merseyside. The youngster has secured the ‘number 1’ spot under Markus Schopp and was excellent in their dramatic 2-1 win against Altach. He faced 1.76 xGOT, thus outperforming the prediction model with a couple of stellar diving stops.
Milos Kerkez have been below par so far since his mega-money move from Bournemouth. However, Calum Scanlon is drawing attention with back-to-back resolute performances in the English Championship as a left-back. He played the full game against Derby County, maintaining a balance between defence and attack, engaging in duels, making clearances, recoveries, timely overlapping runs, crosses and passes into the final third.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – AUGUST 02: Kieran Morrison #68 of Liverpool FC and Tarik Muharemovic #5 of Leeds United battle for the ball during the first half at Soldier Field on August 02, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Daniel Bartel/Getty Images)
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Kieran Morrison (RW – Sheffield Wednesday)
Sheffield Wednesday, aiming for an immediate return to the Championship, won the race for the talented teenager, and the gaffer Henrik Pedersen handed him his debut as a second-half substitute in their disappointing 1-0 defeat against Bradford City at Hillsborough. Deployed from his preferred right-wing role, the Northern Irishman utilised his natural left foot to cut inside and attempted to create chances late in the game. He showed flashes of what he can offer and is expected to be involved from the start in their upcoming fixtures.
Kyle Kelly (DM – Forest Green Rovers)
The 20-year-old Saint Kitts and Nevis international has joined non-league outfit Forest Green Rovers on a six-month loan. He has featured as a substitute in all three league outings, including the weekend’s 3-0 loss against Boreham Wood. The Green did not concede again after his arrival, as the young midfield ace screened the defence in their first defeat of the season.
Central defensive duo Ifeanyi Ndukwe and Amara Nallo, as well as the Polish custodian Fabian Mrozek, remained unused substitutes for Levante, HJK and FC Cincinnati, respectively.
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