Liverpool have confirmed on their official website that Joe Gomez could be sidelined for up to six weeks after sustaining a fractured left leg during Wednesday night’s come-from-behind victory at Burnley. The English international had to be taken off midway into the first half after a challenge with the Clarets skipper Ben Mee. After further assessment at Melwood on Thursday, the Merseyside club has now revealed that the defender could be out for a month and a half depending upon how his rehabilitation progresses.
It will be a significant blow for Liverpool as Gomez struck up a fantastic partnership with Virgil Van Dijk at the heart of Jurgen Klopp’s backline. However, it is now expected that either Dejan Lovren or Joel Matip would have to step up in the absence of the injured Englishman.
If things don’t go well for the Reds in the coming weeks, then Klopp might choose to bring in a fresh face in defence during the winter transfer window so that the Merseyside giants have no problems dealing with fixture congestion in the second half of this campaign.
Here are three defenders Klopp could consider signing in January.
Eder Militao
The FC Porto defender is quite versatile as he primarily plays as a centre-back but can also feature as a right-back or in a defensive midfield role which makes him a good fit for Liverpool. Militao’s ability to play in multiple positions could come in handy for Klopp’s side as it will help Liverpool cope with injuries and suspensions better.
Dayot Upamecano
The 20-year-old French sensation plays for RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga and has already established himself as a regular starter for his club. He could be an ideal option for Klopp to consider in the absence of Gomez at Liverpool as the French talent would be a significant upgrade over Joel Matip who has failed to put in consistent performances at Merseyside so far.
Ruben Dias
The Benfica centre-back has been in a rich vein for form in the Portuguese first division this season. Dias is only getting better with age and is destined for a promising future in European football. Liverpool can opt to recruit him as he has the talents to be an excellent understudy to Virgil Van Dijk and would also add more competition for places at the back as the Reds defenders fight it out for a place in Klopp’s starting XI.
