Liverpool 'Have NO Intention Of Signing A New Central Defender In January'

 

Despite Liverpool's injury crisis in the heart of defence, Jurgen Klopp is reportedly unlikely to enter the January transfer window to bring in a senior centre back.

Klopp has only one fit senior centre back at his disposal in Joel Matip following injuries to Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez, with the pair both potentially out for the rest of the campaign.

It has led to plenty of talk over whether they will strengthen in defence as they look to successfully defend their Premier League crown, but according to The Athletic, Liverpool currently have no intention to bolster their centre-back ranks in January.

Liverpool stalwart Van Dijk sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury during the Merseyside derby while Gomez suffered a serious knee injury during a routine England training session ahead of their friendly with Ireland.

The Reds have since been linked with moves for the likes of RB Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano and Napoli's Kalidou Koulibaly.

However, it is reported that the Reds have no plans to bring anyone in during January, a joint-decision made by Klopp and Liverpool's hierarchy and will wait until the summer to do their business.

Klopp is expected to put his full faith in Liverpool's youngsters at the back, including both Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams.

Phillips, 23, won the man-of-the-match award against West Ham as the Reds won 2-1 at Anfield last month.

Furthermore, 19-year-old Williams has shone in all three Champions League games this term with Liverpool having picked up a 100 per cent record so far.

Matip returned to full fitness in the 1-1 draw away at Manchester City after recovering from a hamstring injury, so Klopp will be hoping to count on him as his only senior centre back at present.

Also, Fabinho - who is still recovering from a hamstring injury of his own - can be deployed in the heart of defence when he recovers.

It has been a nightmare start to the season for Klopp on the injury front, but he will be hoping he can put his troubles behind him with victory at home to Leicester on Sunday.

The Reds, who host Leicester on Sunday evening, currently sit a point behind Brendan Rodgers' table-toppers after eight matches in the Premier League.