Liverpool could act in the transfer market following Matip’s Injury in Spurs win
Liverpool lost Joel Matip to injury once again this season but this time around, it has Jurgen Klopp concerned that it is quite serious – they expect to be without the defender for a long spell.
The manager is still hopeful it is not that serious, awaiting the results of his scan sometime Friday. Liverpool paid a price to return to winning ways. Like Harry Kane having to be withdrawn from the encounter at halftime, so was Joel Matip.
Before the second half got underway, Nat Phillips replaced the Cameroonian for the remainder of the game. Both the Spurs striker and Reds defender suffered from ankle injuries, with the former suffering a double ankle injury.
The visitors played an outstanding game against Jose Mourinho’s men and deservedly won the tie 1-3. Spurs’ loss of Harry Kane was felt a lot more than the Reds being without another first-team CB.
But Thursday night’s winners must do some business if they want to keep their top-four hopes alive, as well as stay in the title race somehow.
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Liverpool’s manager has now lost both Matip and Fabinho in the same week – the latter suffering from a muscle issue which kept him out of selection for the Spurs victory.
That now leaves the Premier League champions with no senior centre-backs. All of Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Fabinho and now again Matip, are unavailable for team’s selection against West Ham and beyond.
"There’s a glimmer of hope with Joel that isn’t as serious. We will know more in three or four hours.Fabinho has no chance for the weekend. We will try. But there’s nothing to say until something happens."
Liverpool must act in the transfer market before the window closes
Liverpool are now forced to do work in the transfer window, something they were admitted on not doing, rather wanting to ride it out till next summer and make a plethora of meaningful signings for the next phase at Anfield.
Jurgen Klopp has also confirmed in his most recent press conference that the club will have to look at signing a central defender for a short-term fix. Although, really nothing confirmed.
"We will try. But there’s nothing to say until something happens. I am not sure there is an £80m centre-back available at the moment or that teams would sell. We need to find the right player and it has to suit our financial situation. (Via: @JamesPearceLFC)"
They will need to find a solution fast. Like the manager further explained, there is no way for Fabinho to make the weekend’s clash against highflyers West Ham.
If he is sidelined for longer than expected, as well as Joel, the club will be with captain Jordan Henderson and Rhys Williams/Phillips pairing up as CB partners.
Defenders being linked with a Liverpool switch
Aaron Long from New York Redbulls is the name being linked with a possible short-term fix for the Anfield side. However, him not fitting into Klopp’s system is being attached to the rumours.
With the MLS suspended he could be the perfect solution. Does he have the quality for an EPL side? Always a gamble for players who are not Premier Leauge proven to come in during January – especially if they are from the MLS.
He could struggle to cope with the demand of the top flight and find it difficult to adapt to the manager’s style of play. Others being linked? Currently, there are no other centre-backs being named as a possible target.
Related Story. Spurs facing some time without Harry Kane. light
The only certain is Liverpool will have to use Rhys or Nat in Sunday’s meeting against the Hammers at the London Stadium.