Liverpool ‘looking at’ Virgil van Dijk replacement as ‘big problem’ emerges – pundit
Alan Hutton has claimed Liverpool have a “big problem” with keeping their defenders fit.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Tottenham and Aston Villa right-back said the Reds won’t have to sign a temporary replacement for Virgil van Dijk if they can keep the rest of their centre-backs fit.
The 31-year-old picked up an injury in the 3-1 defeat to Brentford on 2 January.
Last week (6 January), Jurgen Klopp confirmed the defender’s injury is “not short term” and he is likely to be out for weeks.
According to Italian outlet Il mattino, as relayed by Anfield Watch (5 January), the Merseysiders have ‘called’ Napoli regarding centre-back Kim Min-jae.
The Reds are believed to be back on the market as a result of Van Dijk’s injury and are monitoring the Napoli defender.
But Hutton suggested Liverpool don’t need to sign a replacement.
“If everyone is fit I don’t think they have to,” he told Football Insider.
“But that is the big problem. Matip and Konate have had their injury problems so it is not easy.
“You can’t see into the future and see that everybody is going to be healthy. So it is probably something that Jurgen Klopp is looking at.
“All being well I do not think they have to. But they will have a plan just in case. So I am sure they are looking at options at this moment in time.
“Can they live without him for four, five six weeks, do they have options on the bench? I think they do.“
In other news, Robinson has issued ‘big’ Cody Gakpo claim after Liverpool footage emerges.