Pep Lijnders has urged caution over the progress of Billy Koumetio at Liverpool - reiterating that the Reds will take care with how they integrate the teenager into the first-team squad.
Jurgen Klopp's assistant, taking media duties ahead of the Carabao Cup clash against Arsenal on Thursday night, refused to reveal whether or not Koumetio would be featuring at Anfield after he was not present for the U21's defeat to Tranmere in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday.
Lijnders explained: "Billy has a clear pathway in this club but it is still a start and someone we really take care of. He is still a very young kid - humble but with big potential.
"The reason why he played only 60 minutes in the U18s game [versus Man City on Saturday] is medical.
"He has his own process and we are really happy with how things are going so far so there are still decisions to be made today. We will see [if he is picked against Arsenal]."
Koumetio played for Marc Bridge-Wilkinson's U18s over the weekend as they were beaten by Manchester City. The Frenchman made an error in that game, allowing the ball to roll under his foot before scoring an own-goal.
While the mistake was not the reason he was withdrawn on the day, it was a reminder that the 17-year-old still has some way to develop yet.
Curtis Jones, who is two years older, though, is a lot further down the line in terms of his progression. Jones, who captained the U23s last season, is not very much a senior squad member, and is almost certain to start at Anfield.
Listen to Pep Lijnders' pre-match press conference HERE
On Jones, Lijnders added: "Curtis is the type that we really like because he has so much bravery and so much courage and self-confidence.
"Proper self-confidence that comes with training with an attitude to improve with a constant focus on what is important: to learn.
"He is probably the most offensive midfielder we have and he is the one who is the first one who makes the surprise move into the box from midfield.
"He has this risk and young blood that helps us. I said before that these young boys [Jones and Neco Williams] are not talents anymore - they are proper members of the squad.
"We are really happy with his journey. He is a boy from the city and the ambition and the passion is always there. I like that so much."
Liverpool will field a much-changed team against Arsenal compared to the one that faced the Gunners on Monday night in the Premier League.
But senior stars like Adrian, James Milner, Takumi Minamino and Diogo Jota - plus Jones and, perhaps, Koumetio - are all likely to be among the starters as Liverpool look to make the quarter-finals.
