ARE LIVERPOOL THINKING OF A SHORT-TERM FIX?

Liverpool are reportedly considering signing Ezequiel Garay in a free transfer to cover for Virgil van Dijk’s absence – but will Jurgen Klopp enter the market for a short-term replacement to address his mounting injury crisis in defence?

Analysis from Sky Sports News reporter Vinny O’Connor:

“Liverpool aren’t known for making stop-gap signings. Garay is a player we’ve asked the club about and the response was along the lines of ‘not to their knowledge’. Obviously, Klopp reacted the other day to criticism over not bringing in a replacement for Dejan Lovren during the summer.

“Unfortunately, injuries have hit and it’s left them having to look at younger options to bring in to cover those gaps. Rhys Williams came on to make his second Champions League appearance, and Klopp was happy with what he saw last night.

“There’s also Nathaniel Phillips, who has a bit of league experience having been on loan at Stuttgart, but he’s not been named in Liverpool’s Champions League squad. There’s also the 17-year-old Billy Koumetio who made a very favourable impression during pre-season and Sepp van den Berg.

“There’s a number of youngsters who could well get that opportunity to push their case for more senior involvement over the coming weeks.”