Liverpool already has Conor Bradley solution as Marc Guehi transfer reality is clear

Liverpool's defensive problems have deepened with Conor Bradley's injury, but while a forgotten man is ready to step up, that shouldn't distract from what should be a transfer priority

Conor Bradley could be facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines(Image: Getty Images)

He’s doing his best to play down expectations, but it's becoming increasingly harder for Arne Slot to justify Liverpool potentially not making any major signings this month.

It has been a quiet start to the January transfer window, although Antoine Semenyo’s move to Manchester City might just spark things into life now.

For Liverpool’s part, there is a new arrival, with teenager Mor Talla Ndiaye having completed his move to Merseyside on Friday, although the expectation is that he will be linking up with Rob Page’s U21s rather than challenging the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate in the first-team. If things keep going the way they are though, it might not be too long before he gets the call-up.

The Reds’ defensive woes deepened this week with the sight of Conor Bradley being stretchered off in the dying stages against Arsenal, having just been the subject of some disgraceful attention from Gabriel Martinelli.

There’s no official word yet on just how long the right-back will be out for, but you only need to look at him leaving the Emirates Stadium on crutches to know it’s probably not going to be a swift return.

That stretches Slot’s defensive options even further. With Mohamed Salah away at AFCON and Jeremie Frimpong filling in on the right wing, Joe Gomez is the next cab off the rank, which is always something of a scary prospect given his own history with injuries.

If he picks up a knock, then Liverpool really is struggling. Of course, there is another option, and one that has the approval of Jurgen Klopp.

Calvin Ramsay has come in out of the cold this season, having made a surprise return to the first-team in the Carabao Cup earlier this season, while he has been back in the Premier League squad over recent weeks.

Calvin Ramsay is back in the first-team picture for Liverpool this season(Image: Getty Images)

Something of a forgotten man after a nightmare few years with his own injury problems, Ramsay may now get the chance to truly revive his Anfield career. Monday’s FA Cup tie against Barnsley feels as though it has his name written all over it, and more opportunities could come his way thereafter.

As useful as it is to have the Scot ready to step up once again, that shouldn’t distract from what is an obvious need for the Reds during the January transfer window. Liverpool MUST sign a new defender - whether that’s Marc Guehi, or anyone else.

Liverpool needs to make another play for Marc Guehi this month(Image: Sebastian Frej/Getty Images)

Fans are understandably worried that the Crystal Palace captain is slipping out of the Reds’ grasp, with Manchester City looking as though it could be the new favorite for his signature, while Arsenal may have also thrown its hat into the ring.

Given the current situation, Liverpool cannot let it rivals just swoop in and nab Guehi without any sort of fight. Oliver Glasner has left the door open, and it’s up to Richard Hughes to test Palace’s resolve once again.

Waiting until the summer is not an option. Never mind City or Arsenal getting to him first, Liverpool’s season could well hinge on this signing.