Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said Jarell Quansah is a “proper” part of the squad.
Ibrahima Konate was rested as Quansah partnered with Virgil Van Dijk in the Liverpool rearguard last night (January 24).
Quansah showed defensive grit and resilience against Fulham in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final as Liverpool booked their spot in the final, winning 3-2 over the two legs.
The 20-year-old has now clocked 1,096 minutes for the senior team this season, and has made three assists in the process.
Klopp insisted Quansah is now a proper part of the squad.
He said: “We got asked a lot about signing a new centre-half. We thought about that as well, we don’t ignore potential issues.
“But when we saw him, it was clear we would not go for it.
“We would have our own solution, without knowing how much game-time he would get. He is now a proper, proper part of the squad and the rotation.”
With Joel Matip out for the rest of the season and Joe Gomez deputizing at left-back for the injured Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas, Quansah has grabbed the opportunity with both hands.
Liverpool youngsters making the most of the opportunities
The injury crisis has come as a blessing in disguise for the youngsters of Liverpool as Quansah and Conor Bradley who are now first team starters more frequently.
Klopp added: “Loads of injuries and that’s never good. You have to work with that and that’s what we did.
“Jarell Quansah is a product of that. He’d have games, but the same amount? I’m not sure. Conor Bradley would have played more if not injured.
“Bobby Clark, everyone can see he is ready. An injury ‘crisis’ gives opportunities.
“The boys used them and that’s really nice.”
Robertson is fit for the Norwich game. Dominik Szoboszlai has also trained with the team and is ready for minutes.
Meanwhile, Trent Alexander-Arnold remains a doubt and Klopp will make a decision depending on whether the England international is able to train with the team or not.
Liverpool face Norwich City on Sunday at Anfield in the 4th round of the FA Cup.
(Jarell Quansah for Liverpool – by Alamy Images under paid for agreed licence)
