Liverpool youngster Bobby Clark has been training with the first-team ahead of Monday night’s encounter with Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Clark was an unused substitute for the Reds’ frustrating draw with Crystal Palace and it was the 17-year-old striker’s first involvement with the senior side.
The teenager scored 13 goals in 23 appearances for Liverpool’s under-18s last campaign and impressed manager Jurgen Klopp in pre-season.
Advert
With Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino sidelined against Patrick Vieira’s side, Clark was called up to the Merseysiders’ squad and may now be in contention to make his debut in Monday’s pivotal game against Ten Hag’s United.
New signing Darwin Nunez was dismissed for headbutting Palace’s Joachim Andersen and will miss the trip to Manchester and the following two league games.
While Firmino is expected to be available after being left out against the Eagles as a precaution, Klopp may not deem starting the Brazilian worth the risk.
Advert
This could open the door for a surprise debut for Clark, who was pictured training with the first team, although he’s more likely to play a role off the bench if Liverpool are chasing a goal.
The departures of Divock Origi and Takumi Minamino this summer to AC Milan and Monaco respectively may well provide several youngsters within the Reds’ academy opportunities this season and Clark may be the first to prosper off this.
Origi and Minamino played major roles in Liverpool’s success’ in cup competitions last year, and younger players could now replicate that if given the responsibility to fill the void left by the pair of forwards.
Clark arrived at Anfield from Newcastle United in August 2021 for a fee that could rise to £1.5 million with add-ons.
Advert
Liverpool will be looking to bounce back against their North West rivals after being held by both Palace and Fulham in their opening two Premier League fixtures.
They find themselves four points behind title rivals Manchester City at this early stage, and this gap could be worsened if they fail to beat a struggling United on Monday.
Topics: Liverpool, Manchester United, Premier League, Jurgen Klopp