Liverpool suffered a late 1-1 draw with Brighton on Saturday and now head into matchday 5 of the Champions League at home versus Ajax. Jurgen Klopp added the name of James Milner to his injury list after the Premier League fixture, further depleting the squad.
The January transfer window is a month away and the signing of a centre-back is likely to be high on the club’s wishlist. Here is a look at today’s news & rumour round-up.
Ajax defender on the way?
According to the Metro (citing “reports”), Liverpool have already tabled a £27 million bid for Ajax defender Perr Shurrs. The club already saw the centre-back up close in the Champions League and were impressed. Shurrs would arrive to help the club’s depleted backline. Centre-back Joel Matip was left out of the squad on Saturday to prevent any further injuries with Tuesday’s massive game on the horizon.
Thiago still missing
Thiago is still out of action after suffering a knee injury against Everton. He has played just 134 minutes for Liverpool this season thanks to fitness, a positive COVID-19 test and knee injury. Klopp confirmed Thiago will miss the club’s next two games.
Eight injured players
According to the latest injury news after Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Brighton, Liverpool have eight players on the injury list. Milner was the latest due to a strained hamstring. Five of the eight injuries are muscle injuries. The increase in muscle strains shows the amount of football being played is having an adverse effect on players.
Ex-PL referee disagrees with penalty
In an interview on Saturday, former Premier League referee Mark Halsey stated he disagreed with the penalty given to Brighton at the death. The game-changing penalty enabled Brighton to draw 1-1 with Liverpool.
Samuel Chukwueze back on the radar?
According to several websites and news outlets, Villarreal’s Samuel Chukwueze is back on Liverpool’s radar. The club were said to be interested in Chukwueze a few years ago, but a deal was never done and Liverpool went on to win the Champions League and Premier League. According to RedsRant (a Manchester United blog), Liverpool’s attempts to sign Chukwueze could be hijacked by their long-time rivals. Based on the player’s stats, one goal, one assist in nine La Liga games, Liverpool are probably not that interested — especially with Chukwueze valued at £71!
Phillips stars again
According to WhoScored.com, Liverpool centre-back Nat Phillips was the team’s star of the game versus Brighton. Phillips completed 80% of his passes, won eight aerials, made four tackles, had four clearances, and two interceptions. Phillips has been a dominant figure in the air at the back for Liverpool. He had five more aerial wins than any other player on the pitch.
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