Liverpool’s injury problems could present an opportunity for one of the club’s youngsters to make their European debut against Girona today.

The Reds are in Spain as they look to continue their perfect start to this season’s Champions League. Having already won their first five games in the league phase – including victories over Real Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan – Arne Slot’s side is in the perfect position to book a place in the last-16 and avoid the extra play-off round.

A win over Girona should be enough to secure a top eight finish, and ensure they don’t have to contend with another two fixtures in an already packed calendar. Slot though will have to contend with a squad that has been hit by injuries and suspension.

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The Liverpool boss was only able to name a 19-man squad for today’s clash, with Ibrahima Konate, Conor Bradley, Kostas Tsimikas and Tyler Morton missing through injury, Federico Chiesa ill, Diogo Jota left at home as he continues his recovery, and Alexis Mac Allister absent due to suspension.

Slot has therefore had to turn to a couple of his younger options to provide some support, with James McConnell and James Norris named in the traveling squad. Fans will already be familiar with McConnell, with the midfielder having starred in last season’s Carabao Cup final triumph, but Norris might be a new name to some.

The 21-year-old has been at Liverpool since Under-9s level, and has worked his way through the ranks over the years. A left-back by trade, and described on the club’s website as “energetic” and “possessing a great work ethic matched with a sweet left foot”, Norris is also capable of playing in midfield.

He already has two senior appearances for the Reds, having made his debut back in December 2019. Norris came off the bench during a League Cup quarter-final against Aston Villa – you might remember that game as the one that was played entirely by Liverpool’s academy players, with Jurgen Klopp’s side away at the Club World Cup.

The following summer, Norris would sign his first professional contract at Anfield, before being awarded with a new long-term deal in 2021. He would make his second appearance for the senior team in the 2021/22 season, coming off the bench against Shrewsbury in the FA Cup, and he also scored the winner against Burnley as the U23s lifted the Lancashire FA Senior Cup that same campaign.

Norris would become a regular for the U21s in the 2022/23 season, when he would mostly play as a midfielder as Barry Lewtas’ side finished runners-up in the Premier League 2. Last season, he got a taste of regular senior action after joining League Two side Tranmere Rovers on loan, where he made 20 appearances in total, ending the season as a starter in Nigel Adkins’ side after a finding himself in and out of the team earlier in the campaign.

Now, the 21-year-old will have his sights set on a European debut for the Reds. It's not the first time he has been included in a Champions League squad, having been an unused substitute for the Reds' win over AC Milan at the San Siro back in December 2021 - with Andy Robertson the only other fit left-back currently in the squad, he could get his opportunity today against Girona.