JAMIE CARRAGHER believes that it is ‘inconceivable’ that Liverpool won’t sign another centre-back this month.
The Reds have been left short at the back, after long-term knee injuries sustained by Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez.
Jamie Carragher believes Liverpool need a new centre-backCredit: PA:Press Association
Joel Matip has also suffered persistent fitness woes this term, leaving boss Jurgen Klopp heavily reliant on midfielder Fabinho and youngsters Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams to play at the back.
Despite these problems, Liverpool still find themselves top of the pile.
But in order to stay there, Carragher believes that they need to spend.
He told The Telegraph: “Jurgen Klopp will be cursing a missed opportunity if Liverpool do not retain their title.
“Liverpool are the best team in England, but circumstances have opened the door for everyone with dreams of catching them.
“I felt at the start of the season that the only thing that could stop Liverpool was injuries.
“In August, my fear was that a setback for one of the front three might see them fall back into the pack. The club addressed that with the signing of Diogo Jota. Now my concern is focused on their defensive issues.
“The injury to Virgil van Dijk alone will cost Liverpool between nine and 12 points over the course of this season.
Virgil van Dijk sustained an injury against Everton in OctoberCredit: AP:Associated Press
Joel Matip has suffered persistent injury problemsCredit: EPA
“Although Fabinho has proved a fantastic deputy at the back, Joel Matip’s ongoing problems means, to me at least, that it is inconceivable that Liverpool will not sign another centre-half at the earliest opportunity.
“I cannot understand the logic of not doing so. The club needed one anyway.
“If Matip continues to be in and out of the side, and then Fabinho gets injured, how can Liverpool expect to perform at the highest level with only the inexperienced Rhys Williams and Nat Phillips to step in? That is too big a risk.
“The way Liverpool have dealt with the loss of key players so far shows they will still take some stopping, but it will not be as one-sided as last year and failing to sign another defender will only lift the hopes of everyone else.”
Liverpool currently lead Manchester United on goal difference at the top of the table after 16 games.
Jurgen Klopp confirms Liverpool defender Joel Matip faces three weeks out
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
