Liverpool Face Potential Rio Ngumoha Absence During U17 World Cup
Liverpool could find themselves short of attacking options later this year, with reports suggesting that Rio Ngumoha may be called up to represent England at the U17 World Cup in Qatar this November.
The 17-year-old winger, who arrived from Chelsea and recently signed his first professional contract at Anfield, has already made a mark with four senior appearances and one goal under Arne Slot. His rapid progression has been one of the bright stories of the Reds’ season, but international duty could see him sidelined for up to six key fixtures, including clashes with Aston Villa, Real Madrid, and Manchester City.
Slot already faces the looming challenge of losing Mohamed Salah to the Africa Cup of Nations in December. Adding Ngumoha’s potential absence in November would further test the squad’s depth, especially with Hugo Ekitike suspended and new signings Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz still settling in.
Ngumoha, who shone at the U17 European Championship last summer and has earned 11 youth caps, remains in contention despite already featuring for England’s U19s. His inclusion would highlight his rising status, but it could leave Liverpool scrambling for attacking options during a congested fixture list.
For now, the decision rests on whether England call him up and if Liverpool release him. Either way, the conversation underscores just how quickly Ngumoha has gone from academy hopeful to a vital part of Slot’s plans
