One of the big problems Liverpool have faced early in the tenure of Andoni Iraola is their fullbacks.

After enjoying one of the best fullback pairings in the history of the game for several years, the Anfield faithful must now admit that the position has become a big problem on both sides.

Milos Kerkez and Kostas Tsimikas are locked into a battle on the left, and Jeremie Frimpong has lost his place to loanee central defender Ronald Araujo.

Conor Bradley still remains sidelined by the devastating injury he picked up in January.

The struggle at fullback is very real for Iraola's coaching staff, and one of their limited options has already admitted this could be his last season in Merseyside.

Liverpool defender keeps door open on summer exit

Araujo has been a revelation in Iraola's defence, offering plenty of fight and spirit that the entire side lacked in general last season.

The 27-year-old was formerly the club captain of Barcelona, and his leadership is a massive asset for the Reds, as is the Uruguayan's ability to play in multiple positions.

The star's willingness and effectiveness when covering at right-back has instantly won him over with many supporters, but there is no guarantee that the defender will remain at Anfield beyond the end of the season.

Araujo is of course only on loan at Liverpool and, although the Reds have a €55 million (~£47m) buy option, it remains to be seen whether the move will be made permanent.

Speaking to Paul Joyce of the Times, Araujo himself recently admitted that his future is uncertain.

"It’s far too early to talk about that. I want to thank everyone for the affection they’ve shown me because it’s helped me enormously," the 29-capped Uruguayan international told.

"But I also want to make one thing clear: whether I stay at Liverpool or not isn’t entirely up to me."

All signs indicate that Araujo would be happy to continue to call Anfield home beyond the end of this season, but Liverpool's recruitment team face a tough choice.

If the defender continues to impress there will be plenty of pressure to trigger the buy clause, but the club will be cautious about committing such a spend on a player who will be 28-years-old.

Only time will tell whether Araujo does stay a Red, but supporters will hope he sticks around.