Martin Kelly Injury: 5 Youngsters Who Will Step Up for Liverpool in His Absence

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Liverpool defender Martin Kelly is out for the remainder of the season after suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament.

The versatile 22-year-old suffered the injury in the 93rd minute of Liverpool's 2-1 Anfield defeat to Manchester United, after the England international twisted and collapsed on his knee.

Needless to say, the loss of Kelly, who has emerged as one of the team's brightest young talents and as a key defensive cog in the past few seasons, is devastating for Liverpool.

But somebody will have to step up in his absence. Here are five youngsters who will do their part.

Sebastian Coates

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When ex-Reds boss Kenny Dalglish signed Sebastian Coates for £6.8 million a year ago, the club had secured the services of one of the best defensive prospects in the world.

With Kelly out, the 21-year-old Uruguayan centre-back immediately becomes Liverpool's top young defensive backup option.

As soon as Daniel Agger or Martin Skrtel are unable to feature, Brendan Rodgers will have to seriously consider Coates, who should compete with Jamie Carragher for playing time in the heart of the Liverpool back four. Look for Coates to finally establish himself as one of Liverpool's most important defensive players.

Jon Flanagan

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Local lad Jon Flanagan made his highly anticipated breakthrough into the Liverpool starting XI late in 2010-11 with the team suffering from injuries, but has since been on the fringes of the first team, waiting for another opportunity to present itself.

With the loss of Kelly, the 19-year-old, who has made 15 senior appearances for Liverpool, becomes the Reds' second-choice natural right-back. With plenty of League Cup, FA Cup and Europa League action to be had, Flanagan should see plenty of playing time as Glen Johnson's understudy.

Jack Robinson

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Jack Robinson has been one of the top players in the Reds' youth academy for years, and much like Jon Flanagan, could make use of the Kelly injury to finally cement his spot as an important first-team player.

With Kelly in the team, the Reds have taken advantage of Glen Johnson's versatility to cover for starting left-back Jose Enrique. Now, the 19-year-old, who has made six appearances for the Reds first team, will be first choice behind Enrique—he'll benefit in experience.

Danny Wilson

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Young Scot Danny Wilson has failed to impress for Liverpool since joining the Reds from Rangers in July 2010, and despite playing 14 Scottish Premier League games for his old club, has only played nine times for Liverpool.

If nothing else, Kelly's loss will lighten the depth chart ahead of Wilson, opening up more opportunities for the youngster.

At 20, the centre-back is still young enough to be developing, but he risks losing his spot to younger players if he does not impress. Wilson should step up with Kelly out of the lineup. 

Andre Wisdom

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Since signing for Liverpool as a 14-year-old in 2008, Andre Wisdom has established himself as one of the club's most promising young defenders, and appears ready to break through this season.

The 19-year-old made his Liverpool debut last week against Young Boys in the Europa League, and scored.

Without Kelly, the first-team chances for young Wisdom will increase. He has a chance to make life tough for Kelly upon his return, and he might well do so.

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