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Liverpool assistant coach Pep Lijnders has explained why Jurgen Klopp is unlikely to sign a new center in the January window.
The Reds have linked up with a host of big-name defenders in January as they look to cover up two high-profile injuries.
Virgil van Dijk looks like he will miss most of the season after sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament injury against Everton.
That setback has since been compounded with Joe Gomez also suffers from what appears to be a season-ending injury..
It’s not just their defenders who have suffered this season, either. A report on Saturday revealed that one of their main attacking stars will miss Sunday’s game in Fulham and could face an extended period..
Yet it’s the holes in defense that many have predicted will lead Liverpool to make a big splash in January transfers.
With that in mind Klopp was told this week that a former academic would be the perfect solution to his problems.
As it progresses, fans probably shouldn’t expect anyone to walk through the door in January, according to Lijnders.
In fact, Liverpool No. 2 insists that Klopp is far more likely to use his squad to fill any gaps on his side.
Both Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams have stepped in admirably when necessary this season, and that is likely to continue.
Talking to Liverpool Official Website, Lijnders insists that Liverpool will continue to give youngsters their chance.
“It is always so. But some devastating moments create life-changing moments for other players. We have so much faith in our young blood, in the players we raise, in our own players, ”he said.
“These moments when you lose a top player automatically create a great opportunity for a young player. We invested a lot of time and we have a great commitment with them to be part of our staff ”.
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Joel Matip and Fabinho are currently Liverpool’s first choice defensive pair. When asked what Liverpool would do if either of them were injured during the festive period, Lijnders was quite clear in his answer.
“What I’m trying to say is: I feel like the best backup plan really is the Academy,” he added. “If the Academy is right and there is a fluid process between the Academy and the first team, the best backup plan is always the young players because they will never let you down, never, never.”
Klopp excited about the return of Oxlade-Chamberlain
Klopp admits he is looking forward to the return of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, labeling the star as a “difference maker” for Liverpool.
The English international is likely to make his first team-of-the-match appearance this season in Fulham on Sunday. This is due to the knee injury suffered by Oxlade-Chamberlain during the preseason.
It will be the 27-year-old’s second comeback from a knee problem, although this time much less serious.
Interestingly, there was some criticism of the player’s performances after he first returned. Klopp, however, insists they were unfair and has given the player resounding endorsement.
Klopp said: “To be honest, I don’t understand these kinds of discussions.
“Being compared to the best moment of your career after coming back from injury is really silly. ‘Oh it’s not that good anymore’, I don’t have time for that.
“Ox is an outstanding player, an outstanding player, always was and always will be.”
Read more about Klopp here …
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