Calvin Ramsay edging closer to Liverpool return amid Crystal Palace clash speculation
Liverpool’s Carabao Cup tie against Crystal Palace could offer a timely opportunity for Arne Slot to reshuffle his options — and perhaps hand Calvin Ramsay a long-awaited route back into first-team contention.
Slot’s balancing act as Liverpool face a key test
After a sequence of four Premier League defeats, Liverpool’s immediate focus has shifted from rhythm to recovery. The upcoming Carabao Cup fourth-round tie arrives at an awkward juncture for Slot, who must weigh the need for experimentation against the risk of further setbacks. The Dutchman has admitted the 3-2 loss at Brentford marked his lowest point since taking charge, and the visit of Palace presents both a test and a potential reset.
Yet the options available to Slot are limited. Curtis Jones’ injury withdrawal at Brentford has created uncertainty around his involvement, while Ryan Gravenberch and Alexander Isak were already unavailable. Adding to the challenge, Jeremie Frimpong’s hamstring issue is set to rule him out for several weeks, meaning Slot may prefer to protect both Conor Bradley and Dominik Szoboszlai from unnecessary risk at right-back.
With Joe Gomez likely required in central defence as either Virgil van Dijk or Ibrahima Konate are rested, the situation opens a window for others to step forward.
Ramsay’s patient fight for relevance
One name quietly emerging in conversation is Calvin Ramsay according to Liverpool World. The 22-year-old right-back, who scored in Liverpool’s 4-1 victory over Everton’s under-21s at Kirkby on Sunday, has endured a difficult few years since arriving from Aberdeen for £4.2 million in 2022.
Ramsay’s early promise was curtailed by a knee injury that required surgery, halting his progress before it truly began. What followed were a series of frustrating loan spells — at Preston North End, Bolton Wanderers, Wigan Athletic and most recently Kilmarnock — each providing only fleeting minutes rather than the consistent playing time required for development.
Now back at Liverpool, Ramsay has largely featured for the under-21s this season, serving as captain on three occasions across eight appearances. His headed goal against Everton restored Liverpool’s lead after the young Reds were briefly pegged back, and his substitution just before the hour mark sparked quiet speculation that he could be preserved for senior duty against Palace.
An opportunity to stake a claim
For Ramsay, the possibility of inclusion in Slot’s squad — even from the bench — would represent a significant step. At 22, his development has been stop-start, but consistent performances at youth level may have rebuilt the rhythm and confidence needed to challenge for senior minutes.
Liverpool’s coaching staff are said to have been encouraged by his attitude and fitness levels since returning to Kirkby, with sources close to the club suggesting he remains highly regarded internally despite the setbacks. Slot, who has already shown faith in young players such as Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha, could be tempted to reward Ramsay’s persistence with an appearance in the cup.
Youthful energy ready to step up
Beyond Ramsay, Liverpool’s academy continues to provide fresh impetus. Sixteen-year-old Ngumoha became the club’s youngest-ever goalscorer earlier this season when he struck against Newcastle United, while Nyoni has already featured in the Carabao Cup win over Southampton. Both are expected to be in consideration once again, particularly given the need to rest key senior figures.
For Slot, the Palace fixture could serve as more than a routine cup outing — it might offer glimpses of Liverpool’s next generation, with Ramsay among those eager to prove their readiness.
Should the Scot be involved, it would mark a welcome twist in a story that has so far been defined by frustration. For a player once tipped as Scotland’s next standout full-back, a midweek appearance at Anfield could reignite a career that has quietly waited for its moment.
