Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is reportedly unlikely to sign a new defender in January.
Despite opting against making changes to that area of the pitch during the summer, Klopp has witnessed his Liverpool squad enjoy a strong start to the season.
The Merseyside giants have suffered just one defeat and possess the second-best defensive record in the Premier League, conceding 14 goals in as many games.
As a result of injury and rotation, there have been numerous different partnerships in the middle of the backline, Virgil van Dijk the most frequent appearance maker with 12 starts.
While the rest of the game time has been shared out, Joel Matip has also made nine starts in the top flight during 2023-24, as well as featuring from the substitutes' bench on one occasion.
© Reuters
However, Liverpool face the prospect of being without the Cameroonian for an extended period after he was forced off through injury against Fulham on Sunday.
Commenting on the issue, Klopp has claimed that the 32-year-old's layoff "will not be a short one", leaving alternative options to be used in the mean time.
Nevertheless, according to Football Insider, Klopp is not expected to react by entering the transfer market for a direct replacement.
Although it is suggested that Liverpool wish to add a fresh face at some point in the future, it appears that a temporary signing at the midway stage of the campaign does not appeal to Klopp.
© Reuters
As well as Van Dijk, Klopp is also able to call upon the likes of Ibrahima Konate, Joe Gomez and youngster Jarell Quansah.
Konate and Gomez have made just five starts apiece in the Premier League this season, while 20-year-old Quansah has 116 minutes of top-flight football to his name.
Unlike when Fabinho was present in the squad, Liverpool do not realistically have the option of calling upon a midfielder to deputise in central defence until Stefan Bajcetic proves his fitness after barely featuring this season.
When Liverpool meet Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on Wednesday night, Konate is expected to get the nod alongside Van Dijk.
Darren Plant
