Two Liverpool players have decided to leave the club in January after being substituted and excluded from the lineup against West Ham.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot was able to rest two important players during Sunday’s dominant 4-0 win over West Ham, making strategic substitutions well ahead of the final whistle.

By the 57th minute, with the game comfortably in hand, Slot substituted Ryan Gravenberch and Cody Gakpo to prevent either from receiving a yellow card, which would have resulted in a suspension for next weekend’s match against Manchester United.

Earlier in the match, Joe Gomez was forced to come off due to injury, with Jarell Quansah taking his place, leaving Slot with two more substitutions. These were used in the 74th minute when Harvey Elliott and Kostas Tsimikas were brought on.

Some supporters might have hoped to see young players Jayden Danns and James McConnell, who were both on the bench but have not yet appeared in the Premier League this season.

Why were the young players not given a chance?

With key figures like Dominik Szoboszlai suspended, Federico Chiesa concentrating on extra training, and injuries keeping Conor Bradley and Ibrahima Konaté out, there was space for Danns and McConnell on the bench.

Given the comfortable scoreline, there appeared to be an opportunity to give the young players some minutes. However, Slot likely had a reason for not bringing them on.

Possible January loan moves for Danns and McConnell

As reported by The Athletic, Liverpool might look to loan out Danns and McConnell in January to ensure they get regular first-team football, which is seen as essential for their growth.

Both players were expected to go on loan in the summer, but injuries affected those plans, leaving them with only under-21 appearances and a single first-team appearance in the Carabao Cup against Southampton.

Slot may have been cautious about using them in a game already decided, possibly risking their prospects for future loan moves. Championship clubs are said to be interested, and the two could follow the path of players like Ben Doak and Lewis Koumas, who have performed well during loan spells this season.

Squad depth considerations at Liverpool

Liverpool’s decisions regarding Danns and McConnell could also be shaped by the team’s squad depth. Both players were unexpectedly called upon earlier this year during an injury crisis and contributed to Liverpool’s Carabao Cup victory in February.

Should they be loaned out, it would provide them with valuable experience while also helping to maintain the squad’s balance.

Whether Danns and McConnell will be loaned out remains to be seen, but Slot’s decision not to use them on Sunday could suggest plans for the January transfer window.