With just over three weeks to go until the start of the season, Liverpool are still well short in several key areas. Most notably, there hasn't been a signing to replace Mohamed Salah.

At centre-back, the situation is becoming increasingly concerning. Joe Gomez has suffered yet another injury, adding to what has been a long list over the years. There's still no timescale on Giovanni Leoni's return, with the latest reports suggesting he's facing a lengthy rehabilitation. New signing Jérémy Jacquet, who reportedly cost up to £60 million, also arrived carrying a shoulder injury. Thankfully, he's now back in training and is expected to feature in the remaining pre-season games.

That still leaves Liverpool relying heavily on a 35-year-old Virgil van Dijk, which isn't an ideal position to be in. At left-back, Kostas Tsimikas looks set to replace Andy Robertson, but if I'm being honest, I don't think he's at the level Liverpool need.

Centre midfield is another area that has to be addressed. Alexis Mac Allister's form dipped badly at times last season and, in my opinion, wasn't anywhere near the standard expected of a Liverpool midfielder. Ryan Gravenberch has now had three full seasons at the club. One has been excellent, but the other two have been average. Is that enough consistency to justify being a regular starter?

Curtis Jones has always shown flashes of quality, but inconsistency has stopped him making a midfield place his own under either Jürgen Klopp or Arne Slot. It would be no surprise if Liverpool decided to cash in, especially with Inter Milan reportedly making three separate bids.

Liverpool are well stocked on the left wing, particularly if Bradley Barcola arrives. The right wing, however, is a different story. Rio Ngumoha looks the most likely option to start there, but beyond him the choices aren't convincing. Federico Chiesa looks a shadow of the player he once was.

Jeremie Frimpong also struggled last season and, if I'm being honest, doesn't yet look like Liverpool standard. In his defence, though, he did his best work at Bayer Leverkusen playing as a wing-back. At Liverpool he's been asked to play either at right-back or on the right wing, and neither role seems to suit him or get the best out of him.

Up front, Alexander Isak is now the only recognised senior striker. The obvious question is whether he can stay fit. His recent injury record suggests that's far from guaranteed, although hopefully the new backroom staff can help keep him on the pitch. With Hugo Ekitike not expected back until the new year, Liverpool could find themselves relying on Cody Gakpo or Victor Muñoz to fill in through the middle when needed. That becomes even more likely if Bradley Barcola arrives to occupy the left-wing position.

This isn't all doom and gloom, though.

If Richard Hughes can address the key areas Liverpool are still short in before the transfer window closes, I genuinely believe this season could end up being a memorable one.