Defensive reinforcements in January are unlikely for Liverpool, according to David Ornstein of The Athletic.
The Reds have been plagued by injuries at the back since the start of the season.
Defensive Reinforcements Unlikely to Happen for Liverpool in January
Injuries Will Not Alter Their Plans
Despite the amalgamation of defensive injuries at Anfield, it will not alter Liverpool’s transfer plans.
Jurgen Klopp is lacking desperately in defence, especially at centre-back. Both Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez, Klopp’s first-choice pairing, have suffered long-term injuries and could miss the remainder of the season.
As a result, the German will have to rely on the experience of Joel Matip to help guide the Premier League champions through the rest of the season. However, even he has had his own injury problems – the Cameroonian missed the early part of the season through injury issues of his own.
However, Klopp remains happy with his current options and will not be forced into signing a centre-back in January. Instead, despite being linked to several high-profile names, their recruitment drive remains focused on next summer.
As a result, it means that Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams are likely to see more game time over the coming months.
A Huge Risk? Or a Cautious Gamble?
January signings very rarely hit the ground running and make an impression instantly. The Reds are very rarely active in the January transfer window either – their last two signings in the winter window were Takumi Minamino and Virgil van Dijk.
However, it is a huge risk for the Reds. They already have the third-worst defence in the league, meaning that there is huge pressure on the pair to change that.
Klopp, though, will be hoping that they can both seize this opportunity. Seizing it will reaffirm his faith in the options that he has in his academy.
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