Big Sam got another result at Anfield today after an Ajayi goal gave West Brom a 1-1 draw with Liverpool. Jurgen Klopp afterwards was right when he said that the match wouldn’t be reviewed in 20 years time, but it could have important consequences in Liverpool’s efforts to retain their title. Joel Matip, Liverpool’s only experienced centreback currently match fit, went off in the 59th minute with what looked like a groin injury. Liverpool’s crisis at centreback has again reared its ugly head.
Speaking on Sky Sports postmatch coverage, Jamie Carragher called on Liverpool to invest in defensive talent during the upcoming transfer window.
“At this moment, Liverpool Football Club have got one senior centre-back available.” š³@Carra23 insists it is ‘paramount’ for the Premier League champions to sign a defender in the January transfer window as their injury crisis continues. āļø pic.twitter.com/NFDS61MvTm
ā Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 27, 2020
Carragher said:
“Itās a massive worry but not a new worry. Joel Matip will not play every game between now and the end of the season. You knew that before the injury today and thatās why its paramount that they sign someone in January.”
“I donāt mean bring in a 70 million signing like Virgil van Dijk was ā but someone who can come in which would mean Liverpool wont be left with just two young lads at centre half.”
“They have to, they have to, do something in January.”
Matip was impressive in setting up Liverpool’s opening goal tonight but is famously injury prone. Fabinho has done an admirable job stepping into the breach after the injuries to van Dijk and Gomez but the sight of Matip limping off this evening was an unwelcome reminder to Liverpool supporters of the club’s injury woes at the position. As the title challenge from Spurs and Chelsea faded in recent weeks, it seemed like the league was comfortably in Liverpool’s hands. This injury casts a cloud over that.
