Jamie Carragher is alarmed about Liverpool’s recent form after their defeat at Southampton and claims the Reds will not win the league if they don’t sign a centre-back in January.
Jurgen Klopp’s side went down 1-0 to Southampton to give Manchester United the chance to go three points clear at the top of the Premier League if the Red Devils beat Burnley in their game in hand next week.
Liverpool drafted in captain Jordan Henderson as a makeshift centre-half in Monday night’s defeat at St Mary’s but Carragher says Klopp’s side will not be champions if they do not recruit in this month’s transfer window.
Carragher told Sky Sports after the Southampton match:
‘I can’t see Liverpool winning the league if they don’t buy a centre-back.
‘I said that after the Everton game when (Virgil) van Dijk was injured but I think it’s a really tough ask if they don’t bring anyone in.
‘The fact they played Jordan Henderson at centre-back is not going to do a lot for the two lads on the bench (Rhys Williams and Nathaniel Phillips) and their confidence if they have two midfielders playing there. Henderson is not a centre-back. He did well, but it’s not his position.’
Liverpool have star defender Van Dijk sidelined with a long-term injury along with fellow backline regulars Joe Gomez and Joel Matip.
Klopp wanted a center-back signed in the summer following the departure of Dejan Lovren but he was overruled by Fenway Sports Group.
Carragher, meanwhile, claims Liverpool’s problems are greater than a shortage in defence, with the Reds’ front line being held scoreless for the second Premier League match in a row.