Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp casts doubt about any defensive recruitment during the January transfer window amid injury to Joel Matip

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp played down the prospect of signing a defender during January to replace the injured Joel Matip. Matip suffered an ACL injury in the game against Fulham, potentially keeping him out for the rest of the season.

Furthermore, the 32-year-old is currently fulfilling the last year of his current Liverpool contract. The Kopites fear that the Cameroonian cult hero has played his last game for the Reds.

Liverpool have Joe Gomez, Ibrahima Konate, and Jarell Quansah as the defensive options to play alongside captain Virgil van Dijk. His unreliable injury record makes Konate an uncertain first-choice option alongside Van Dijk.

Whereas, Gomez has struggled with both injuries and performances since the last season, generally playing as a backup. Quansah has featured in cup competitions and lacks the experience that the Reds need right now.

Speaking to the press (h/t Liverpool Echo), Klopp claimed that a centre-back recruitment in January is highly unlikely. He said:

“Is it now perfect? As long as we can go with those four [centre-backs]. If not, then it will be a bit more tricky with the amount of games coming up. It was never wonderland when you bring a world-class centre-back until the other one is fit again. As long as other clubs don’t put them under the Christmas tree for us and say ‘Take it and use it for as long as you need it’… I didn’t really think about it yet because it was only five days since we had that problem. I don’t think so, to be honest.”

The Reds are currently on course to challenge for every trophy and need a strong defensive depth to keep fighting. Liverpool are currently second in the Premier League, just two points behind the league leaders Arsenal.

Jurgen Klopp confirms that Joel Matip ruptured his ACL against Fulham at the weekend pic.twitter.com/JcRNBJS2Bb

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 6, 2023

Furthermore, they have qualified for the knockout stages of the Europa League and are still competing in the Carabao Cup. The Reds will be taking a massive risk if they decide to rely on their injury-prone options, Konate and Gomez.

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Klopp’s assessment of the January transfer window is an astute one. The players’ prices are usually more inflated in the January transfer window with clubs wanting to keep their top talents. The Reds used the release clause to acquire some of their summer signings as they revamped the midfield.

The strategy to revamp the defense remains speculative at this point. Nevertheless, we think Liverpool should attempt to sign one during January as the reward outweighs the risk.