Gary Neville thinks that Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp is going to be very nervous about facing Manchester City, according to his comments to his self-titled podcast.
Liverpool are down to the bare bones at centre-back, with Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip and Fabinho all suffering with injuries.
Matip has at least returned to training this week, which offers Liverpool some encouragement that he may be fit to play at the weekend against City.
But there are no guarantees that he will be ready in time to feature on Sunday.
And Neville believes that Klopp will be worried about his defensive options ahead of the clash against Pep Guardiola’s men.
“It wouldn’t surprise me if in a few weeks time they deal with that issue with Van Dijk and bring in a centre-back just to get through, even if it’s on loan or a more permanent solution,” he said.
“I think Jurgen Klopp will be nervous because they will be more exposed. I’m looking forward to seeing Manchester City vs Liverpool next Sunday.”
Liverpool have been forced in to playing the inexperienced Nathaniel Phillips and Rhys Williams in the heart of their defence in recent games, but both have coped well.
Phillips was the latest centre-back to be tested out for Liverpool, and he put in a commanding display as the Reds beat West Ham United.
If Matip does fail to make it back in time for the weekend though, then Phillips’s test will be much greater.
Liverpool will have to do far more defending against City then they did West Ham, and Phillips will have to be on the very top of his game to come through the challenge.
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