Liverpool have recalled Rhys Williams from his loan spell at Aberdeen. The news was confirmed on the Reds’ official website and social media handles on Wednesday. The defender is now back at Anfield after his temporary move to Scotland has been cut short. The loan was originally intended to last a full season, until the summer of 2024.
The 22-year-old’s return boosts Jurgen Klopp’s centre-back options. Klopp is short on center-back options after a crucial ligament injury to Joel Matip. The injury to left-backs Robertson and Tsimikas has forced the manager to play Joe Gomez on the left, further worsening the situation.
Liverpool might’ve recalled Rhys Williams even if they didn’t have injury crisis
Even if Liverpool had their full complement of defenders available, they may have been considering a recall for Rhys Williams anyway. The 22-year-old didn’t make a single senior appearance for Aberdeen. It was a loan which was benefitting no-one
His lack of game-time suggests that he’ll only be a peripheral figure at the Anfield at best. But at least he adds some depth to Klopp’s center-back options.
Rhys Williams has prior experience of stepping up amid a lengthy casualty list at Liverpool. He memorably rose to the challenge three years ago alongside Nat Phillips. Together they helped the club salvage a third-place finish from a difficult season.
Rhys’ future at the club not certain
Rhys will most certainly get a chance to play as the Liverpool manager is likely to rotate his squad considerably for the FA Cup and Carabao Cup clashes against Arsenal and Fulham next week. Klopp particularly has numerous injury problems in defense to navigate after coming through a hectic pre-Christmas and festive schedule.
Liverpool will be actively looking for defensive options in January, given their injury crisis. There’s a firm likelihood that Rhys’ return to Anfield will be short-lived. If Liverpool do manage to sign players this month, they could send out Rhys this month itself. But if that doesn’t happen, the youngster will most likely leave the club in the summer either way.
For more sports updates, follow us on Twitter.
