That's our squad management not being adequate for the last few years, we've kept too many injury prone players and left their contracts to expire.....otherwise fans wouldn't bemoan our fragile defence virtually every other week.
I know Klopp likes playing down signings but I don't think he's even had the chance yet to discuss with the owners about the plans for January given how busy he is prepping the team during this schedule. In my mind we're signing another CB, even if it's a loan. You don't lose one of your starting CB's for the rest of the season & do nothing.
I agree we need reinforcement in MF and in defence. However its increasingly likely that we will not see any forays into the transfer market, we will have to seek solutions internally. I would want to bring back Nat Philips and hope Spanish Naby is fit for when Endo goes to Japan and Thiago is resurrected too
This is from the Offal
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Read the latest information on injuries, suspensions and availability in the Liverpool men's squad.
Last updated on December 5
Thiago Alcantara
Thiago has been sidelined since requiring surgery on a hip issue that ruled him out of the final weeks of the 2022-23 campaign, and remains unavailable for selection.
Jürgen Klopp on November 3: "It's an ongoing thing and we cannot put any kind of pressure on there as well. We expect him to be back - and I would say probably the start of the New Year. It's now already November, so that would mean another four weeks. I would say that's probably a realistic thing to try and I can't wait, to be honest, to have him back. The player he is is just exceptional. I understand you ask, but it's nothing where we can have a week by week update because that will not change a lot in this moment."
Stefan Bajcetic
Klopp on November 3: "We don't know [when he will be back]. With Stefan it's, again, one of these things. Stefan's quality, potential, talent, everybody could see and it's incredible - what a player - but the body was not ready yet. They are still growing these boys and they are all different; we have other players with a different, what is it, skeleton, a different body where OK that's fine and for other players it is a bit too early.
"We just have to put the break on again and just wait until that's all fine. Then Liverpool FC has a wonderful player to use, but there is absolutely no time that we can put on that and we will not. We just have to wait. He is here, he is training, he is doing his stuff, we are building his [fitness]. We know how good he is and now we have to make sure we help him to get a body to show that, and not only once but then three times a week. We will get there [and that will be] very good news for the club, [but] in the moment we cannot use him and that's all."
Alisson Becker
The goalkeeper is set for a spell on the sidelines as a result of an injury sustained during the Premier League draw at Manchester City on November 25.
Klopp on December 5: "Obviously Ali is closer but not available for [Sheffield United] definitely."
Diogo Jota
Like Alisson, Jota felt an injury during the clash with City at Etihad Stadium, which the manager subsequently confirmed was 'a bit more severe'.
Klopp on December 5: "He was running yesterday outside - on his birthday. And everything goes in the right direction, but nobody told me he will be back in team training today. No, there is still some time."
Joel Matip
The centre-back sustained an issue during a challenge in the second half of Liverpool's win over Fulham on December 3 that forced him from the field.
Klopp on December 5: "I don't know exactly [how long he will be out] but it doesn't look good, that's something we can say. The scan is not done yet so we don't know exactly, but it's not great. From the first second it was clear, we spoke to him and said, 'No, that's not good.' But how long, I don't know."
Andy Robertson
The left-back has undergone surgery on the shoulder he injured while playing for Scotland in October and is facing a spell out.
Klopp on October 25: "Robbo had surgery and [it] all went well, as good as it could be, so the recovery starts after he wakes up. I think it happened this morning. That's it. We don't know how long it will take or whatever, but the first step is done, that's good."
PUBLISHED 5TH DECEMBER 2023
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