Liverpool’s hierarchy remain privately confident in the squad’s depth following the close of the January transfer window.

Liverpool’s senior figures are believed to be content with the defensive options available to Arne Slot for the remainder of the season. Although the club confirmed the signing of Rennes centre-back Jeremy Jacquet on deadline day, the deal is structured for the summer, with the defender staying in Ligue 1 for the rest of the current campaign.

No immediate reinforcements were added in January, despite Liverpool being hit hard by injuries in defence, including season-ending setbacks for Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni. Jeremie Frimpong remains sidelined as well, though Joe Gomez is close to returning, and Ibrahima Konate made an emotional comeback against Newcastle after recently losing his father.

Writing in The Athletic, Andy Jones reports that Liverpool’s hierarchy feel confident they have enough cover to see out the season. With Konate back, Gomez expected to be available for the Manchester City clash after recovering from a hip issue, and Frimpong’s groin injury not thought to be serious, the club believe they can manage until May. Jones adds that bringing Jacquet in immediately was never realistic due to Rennes’ own European ambitions, and Liverpool are convinced the young Frenchman will justify the wait.

However, concerns remain over how fine the margins are defensively. Even with Gomez and Frimpong nearing returns, Liverpool are still just one injury away from a potential crisis. In last week’s win over Qarabag, half of the back line consisted of midfielders, with Ryan Gravenberch partnering Virgil van Dijk centrally and Wataru Endo filling in at right-back. Dominik Szoboszlai then took on that role against Newcastle and could be asked to do so again in upcoming fixtures before Frimpong is back.

While Jacquet’s summer arrival is a major boost and a smart piece of business, there is anxiety that Liverpool’s precarious defensive situation this season could impact their Champions League hopes. Until the next transfer window opens, the Reds appear set to walk a tightrope at the back, even if those in charge remain confident in the depth currently at Slot’s disposal.