Well, Joel Matip is injured for Liverpool once again.
The former Schalke powerhouse won’t play any part in the Reds’ trip to Newcastle United on Wednesday due to a groin problem – and is looking at a few weeks out.
Matip, who’s only just returned from a back problem, pulled up in the hour mark of last night’s 1-1 draw with West Brom at Anfield, meaning that Fabinho, a midfielder, is the best centre-back Liverpool have available.
In addition to the Cameroon international, Jurgen Klopp is also missing Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez, the two mainstays which helped the Merseyside club to a first-ever Premier League title last term.
The good news is that we’re on the brink of January and Liverpool can sign reinforcements at centre-back.
But the bad news – according to Goal.com – is that they do not intend to strengthen this area.
According to the report, Klopp and Michael Edwards have ‘no plans’ to be active for a centre-back during the winter transfer window.
And if true, it’s just unthinkable.
Liverpool have done remarkably well in the absence of Van Dijk and Gomez, but their luck is going to run out and with Matip injured now too, it’s such a colossal gamble to rely on Fabinho.
You could also argue that it’s unfair on the Brazilian, who revealed to The Mail this week that he can’t wait for Van Dijk to return so he can start playing in his natural position again.
Fabinho has been exceptional this season under the circumstances, but this is a team at the top of the Premier League table and still in contention for the Champions League.
They need additional support in central defence and it’s a tad bit negligible if Klopp and Edwards fail to bring anybody in.
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