Liverpool: 3 takeaways from the Baggies draw

3 takeaways from the Baggies draw – Ox must start

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 27: Rhys Williams of Liverpool comes on to replace the injured Joel Matip of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Liverpool and West Bromwich Albion at Anfield on December 27, 2020 in Liverpool, England. A limited number of fans (2000) are welcomed back to stadiums to watch elite football across England. This was following easing of restrictions on spectators in tiers one and two areas only. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) /

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Liverpool, Joel Matip (Photo by NICK POTTS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

Liverpool need a new central defender in January

As much as it pains me to say this, Joel Matip is just not reliable enough. There has never been any doubt over his ability, however, the regularity of his fitness is concerns should not be ignored.

The Cameroonian started his eighth game for the club in this season’s Premier League, and for the second time, he was forced off the pitch owing to an injury.

Rhys Williams replaced him, and although he won a couple of aerial duels, he was seriously lacking the pace to deal with Karlan Grant.

The club’s website reported Jurgen’s statement on Matip’s injury.

"He said: “Joel told me he felt something in his adductor and that’s obviously not too good. I am not sure how serious it is now. The rest of the information I will get tomorrow.”"

Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez are unlikely to play a part in this season’s Premier League, and with Matip’s injury concerns, the club is often without a senior central defender to fill in. Fabinho has done a superb job to fill in, but he does need a reliable partner at the back.

Klopp is in desperate need of an addition to the back in the January transfer window, with many suitable options like Ben White, Ozan Kabak, Dayot Upamecano all believed to be on the radar.

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