Liverpool, the Premier League toppers, are gearing up to lock horns against Mikel Arteta-led Arsenal in the third round of the FA Cup fixture tonight at the Emirates Stadium. This will be the second encounter between these two English heavyweights this season.
In the earlier clash, Liverpool hosted the Gunners at Anfield, resulting in a 1-1 draw in the Premier League. As Klopp prepares to take on familiar opposition, the shortage of a left-back option has again visited the door of the Reds, with their recalled loanee Owen being ineligible to feature in the match.
Who is Owen Beck?
Owen Michael Beck was born in August 2002 in Wrexham, Wales, and currently plays for Merseyside giants Liverpool. He started his career playing an advanced role as a striker at the Stoke City Academy but eventually transitioned to full-back positions. His talent was subsequently noticed by Liverpool.
At the age of 12, Beck joined the Reds from Stoke City. His impressive attacking style of play, fitting the standards of the modern-day full-back, helped him break through to the U18 set-up of the club. Eventually, he climbed to the U21 side, where he played in UEFA youth competitions.
In 2020, the teenager signed his first contract with Liverpool and renewed the terms a year later, extending his stay until 2026. Under Jurgen Klopp, he was called up for the pre-season with the senior team following a stunning campaign with the U23 team. And finally, he made his senior team debut in the 2020–21 season.
The Welsh talent earned a loan stint with Portuguese top-division side Famalicao but returned to England for another loan, this time with Bolton. Owen’s most recent loan was with Scottish club Dundee FC as part of his ongoing development. The 21-year-old made 20 appearances in Scotland, making four-goal contributions across all competitions.
Why is Owen Beck suspended?
Currently, Liverpool’s squad is without an out-and-out left-back as their star Scottish defender, Andy Robertson, is sidelined due to a long-term injury. In his place, second-choice Kostas Tsimikas has taken on the role and is doing a commendable job on the left side of the defense.
Unfortunately, Kostas Tsimikas’ injury against the same rivals in the league fixture forced the German boss to recall loanee Owen Beck to Anfield, a return the club has confirmed. However, the youngster would be unable to start for the Reds to make an instant impact due to suspension.
Reportedly, Beck will be serving a single-match ban due to his booking from Dundee FC. While playing for Dundee on loan, the left-back picked up two yellow cards in the Scottish League Cup against Bonnyrigg Rose and Inverness Caledonian Thistle in July.
Given that his Scottish side did not progress further in the competition, the Football Association has additionally confirmed that the left-back is required to fulfil his previously unserved suspension in his upcoming first-team competitive fixture, which is the FA Cup clash against Arsenal.
