According to the Liverpool Echo, Liverpool are short of defenders due to injuries but have no intention of signing Tottenham full-back Spence.

With only two weeks until the start of the 2026-27 Premier League season, Liverpool's defensive injury crisis remains acute. During pre-season, head coach Andoni Iraola has been unable to field a complete starting defensive line, and there are no signs of any significant short-term improvement in personnel availability.

The center-back position is severely depleted. Conor Bradley faces a long-term layoff due to a knee injury. Giovanni Leoni, who suffered a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury on his Liverpool debut last September, has not yet returned to full training. French center-back Jérémy Jacquet, who dislocated his shoulder while playing for Rennes in February and has not appeared for Liverpool since joining, missed full training again on Wednesday, raising concerns about his availability for the season opener. Joe Gomez suffered a muscle injury minutes before the first pre-season friendly during the US tour and has been ruled out for the start of the new season. Captain Virgil Van Dijk took part in full team training for the first time this summer on Wednesday.

With several key players sidelined, 18-year-old Ifeanyi Ndhuka showed promise in pre-season but will be loaned out due to work permit complications. Luke Chambers, naturally a left-back, scored against Leeds United but is likely to be loaned out again before the transfer window closes. Mo-Tala N'Diaye, despite joining the first team for the US tour, did not train with the squad on Wednesday.

Gravenberch and Wataru Endo can both play at center-back as temporary solutions, though this is far from ideal. Wataru Endo himself only recently returned to full training after an ankle injury sustained in February.

The right-back position is also understaffed. Frimpong was substituted due to injury against Leeds United but returned to full training on Wednesday. However, his injury record and form since joining last season have been disappointing. Calvin Ramsay has not featured in the Premier League since arriving in the summer of 2022. With both Bradley and Gomez unavailable, Szoboszlai indicated after the match that he is willing to fill in at right-back if needed.

The left-back position is relatively well-stocked, with Tsimikas returning from loan to compete with Kerkez for playing time, while Robertson has departed to join Tottenham as a free agent.

Regarding the transfer window, Liverpool have not ruled out defensive reinforcements before it closes, but their priority remains strengthening the attack. The club has already opened negotiations with PSG for Barcola, while Ibrahim Mbaye is also being monitored. For defensive signings, Liverpool prefer versatile players capable of playing both center-back and right-back; Tomoli, Konsa, and former Red Quansah have all been considered. The club has denied any interest in Spence, with speculation believed to have originated from the player's camp.

With at least three center-backs and Bradley confirmed to miss the start of the season, Liverpool's defensive depth will face a severe test. Over the next two weeks, the team will play Monaco and Como at Anfield, with one match behind closed doors, and Iraola is expected to give the available defensive players substantial playing time.

However, beginning the new season with the current squad carries significant risk. As the transfer window enters its final three weeks, pressure to secure defensive reinforcements is expected to Mount. Without appropriate signings, Liverpool's season opener will be fraught with uncertainty.

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