Liverpool suffer surprise defensive blow ahead of FA Cup clash with Arsenal

Liverpool remain without a natural left-back for Sunday's FA Cup clash with Arsenal after it was confirmed Owen Beck, who was recalled from loan to ease the Reds' injury crisis, is suspended.

Jurgen Klopp made the decision to bring 21-year-old back from his impressive loan with Dundee FC to help out in the first team following Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas' injuries.

Now the only natural left-back in Klopp's squad, many expected to see Beck thrown straight into the starting lineup when Liverpool face Arsenal in the FA Cup third round on Sunday, but it turns out the youngster is actually suspended.

Beck received two yellow cards in the Scottish League Cup during his time with Dundee and left the club without serving a one-game suspension, and the Football Association have confirmed the ban will carry over and rule Beck out of his first available fixture with Liverpool.

As a result, Klopp may continue to put his faith in Joe Gomez, who has deputised out on the left in recent weeks.

Klopp has high hopes for Beck, who managed two senior appearances for Liverpool during the 2021/22 Carabao Cup campaign.

"We are really positive about Owen but he had two difficult loan spells, things can happen when you move away from home," Klopp said recently. "Must be the right manager, right team, another experienced left-back already there, so many things can happen. He made big steps

"The situation here is clear; we've lost two left-backs, so the boy we like is available so we bring him back. That is it."

Robertson and Tsimikas are both expected to remain unavailable for several weeks, although the Scotland international was seen hard at work during an individual training session on Friday.

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