Carragher sends transfer message to Liverpool over ‘massive worry’
Jamie Carragher claims Liverpool “have to” bring in a new centre-back in the January transfer window after Joel Matip picked up an injury in the 1-1 draw with West Brom.
New Baggies boss Sam Allardyce, who is unbeaten in his last four league matches at Anfield – all achieved with different clubs – secured his first point since taking over after Semi Ajayi’s 82nd-minute header cancelled out Sadio Mane’s brilliant strike.
Despite giving up 78 per cent possession, the Baggies out-performed their hosts three to two in shots on target, despite not registering their first until the 51st minute.
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Jurgen Klopp lost Matip to a groin issue in the second half, causing him a problem in central defence again, while midfielder Naby Keita was ruled out before the game with another muscle injury which is likely to sideline him for at least a couple of weeks.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Carragher said: “It’s a massive worry but not a new worry. Joel Matip will not play every game between now and the end of the season you know that even before the injury today and that’s why it’s paramount that Liverpool sign someone in January.
“I said that as soon as Virgil van Dijk had his injury against Everton. Fabinho’s gone there and looked like a top class centre-back in that position so maybe people at the club felt the need wasn’t as urgent but Joel Matip is just too injury prone.
“His body just can’t take the rigours of playing in Premier League football week in week out we know that since he joined, he’s a really good player.
“I still believe Liverpool are the best team in this league even without Van Dijk and most people would say they’re favourites to win the Premier League.
“The only way they don’t win it is if they have problems at centre back where Rhys Williams or Nat Phillips have to play for a prolonged period of time.
“The odd game coming in now and again they’ve done really well, done fantastic but I know that’s the position I played its not a position for young players as such and at times they will make mistakes as young players, they’re learning.
“I don’t mean bringing in a centre back for £70m like Van Dijk and not necessarily someone to go straight in the team, just someone there so Liverpool don’t end up maybe with two young lads at some stage in five or six weeks if Fabinho was to go down injured.
“At this moment Liverpool football have one senior centre-back who’s available this season and he’s injury-prone, so they have to, have to do something in January.”