Liverpool were dealt yet another injury blow this season on Sunday evening when Joel Matip was forced off during the 1-1 draw with West Brom at Anfield.
Injury issues have dogged the Reds this season and those key absentees have hindered their title defence, although Jurgen Klopp’s side remain top of the Premier League for now.
Even prior to this latest injury setback for Matip, there was plenty of clamour for the club to sign a centre-back in January, with Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez unlikely to feature heavily again this season.
Reputable journalist James Pearce wrote for The Athletic in the aftermath of Liverpool’s despondent performance on Sunday and wasn’t sure whether there would be the desired mid-season signing. He outlined:
Senior sources at Liverpool have been adamant that the club won’t dip into the transfer market next month, it remains to be seen whether the outcome of Matip’s scan leads to a change of heart from the Anfield hierarchy going into the January window.
Clearly, there are no nailed-on plans to alleviate the defensive crisis despite plenty of rumours, something which could disappoint many Kopites.
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Nobody can doubt Matip’s performances when fit and firing – it’s simply the Cameroonian’s chequered injury record which means the Reds cannot risk counting primarily on the 29-year-old.
Fabinho has slotted in at the back with aplomb despite being first and foremost a central midfielder, whilst youngsters Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams have filled in with great success when given their respective opportunities.
However, with the timeline for Matip’s adductor injury unknown and some huge games on the horizon, the Anfield hierarchy must surely be reconvening to discuss their January options.
