Jurgen Klopp admits that Liverpool ‘will try’ to sign a centre-back before the transfer window’s deadline after the club’s defensive injury situation worsened this week.
Liverpool were without Fabinho for the 3-1 win at Tottenham on Thursday after the auxiliary defender sustained a minor muscular injury this week, before Joel Matip was withdrawn at half-time of the clash after picking up an ankle ligament problem.
Matip has struggled for fitness this season and his latest injury is expected to leave the defender sidelined for a significant period, leaving the Reds without a recognised senior centre-back amid the long-term absences of Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez.
Klopp had suggested that Liverpool were unlikely to conduct any business this month but the club’s depleted options are understood to have prompted a rethink, the German admitting the club ‘will try’ to bring in reinforcements before the transfer window’s deadline on Monday.
“Look, I don’t know. But we will try. It is funny when you all think ‘oh Liverpool will be just fine with the situation and they don’t care or try,’ Klopp told a press conference ahead of this weekend’s clash with West Ham.
“We try but there is nothing to say until something happens. We will see. The situation yesterday didn’t make it easier but we still try to do the right things. If that’s possible, we will do it. If not, we won’t.”
Klopp was asked whether an attempt to sign a centre-back has stepped up amid the injury to Matip and says the club’s stance has not changed, though suggested the Reds will act if the right player becomes available.
“My thoughts didn’t change but my words might have. That’s probably my English,” he added.
“Same situation as before. We work always on this. That’s what we did all the time. We will see.”
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