1 week ago
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Liverpool has traveled to Brentford without Ryan Gravenberch or Alexander Isak, leading to the inclusion of 18-year-old Kieran Morrison in the squad.
The Reds were seen on a morning walk in west London on Saturday, with neither Gravenberch nor Isak present, indicating they are sidelined with ankle and groin injuries, respectively. Gravenberch suffered a knock against Manchester United and did not travel midweek to Eintracht Frankfurt.
Meanwhile Isak was forced off at half-time in the Champions League win due to a groin issue. Jeremie Frimpong also picked up a hamstring injury in the same game.
As a result, Arne Slot has called up young winger Morrison, 18, to the Premier League squad for the first time.
Morrison has impressed for Liverpool U21s this season, thriving after being returned to his natural right-sided position under Rob Page. He played a key role in the U19s’ 5-4 UEFA Youth League win over Frankfurt midweek, contributing to all five goals.
Officially, the Northern Ireland youngster recorded two assists, but his influence extended well beyond the stats, contributing to chance creation and forcing mistakes from Frankfurt’s defenders.
Although primarily a right-winger, Morrison featured in a forward partnership with American striker Keyrol Figueroa, and his freedom across the front line caused significant problems for the opposition.
He now has one goal and three assists in eight appearances for Liverpool this season, and with his confidence soaring, a senior team opportunity may be on the horizon. Now part of the first-team squad alongside Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha, Morrison has been named on the bench at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Having joined Liverpool from Manchester United as a teenager, Morrison has long been regarded as one of the club’s brightest youth prospects.
He has previously made the bench twice under Slot, including during the Carabao Cup victory over Southampton, but this marks his first inclusion in a Premier League matchday squad.
It is expected the 18-year-old will sign a new deal when his current one expires at the end of the season.
His impressive performances earned him a call-up to the Northern Ireland U21 squad during the last international break. It marked the first time the 18-year-old has been called up to an international squad since last year’s Under-19 Euros, held in Northern Ireland.
Liverpool.com says: Kieran Morrison’s first Premier League call-up reflects his impressive form at youth level and the trust Arne Slot has in his potential. Given his creativity, versatility, and recent performances, he could inject fresh energy from the bench and prove he’s ready to make the step up to senior football.
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