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Liverpool's injury crisis this season has shown no signs of relenting, even as the Reds continue to remain close to the top of the 2020-21 Premier League.
They have stuttered in recent weeks, picking up only two points from the last nine available in the league.
Injuries to Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez are likely to rule both players out for the remainder of the season. That has meant Joel Matip is the only recognised senior centre-back available to Klopp. However, even his injury worries have meant that the Liverpool manager has had barely any options to choose from.
Fabinho has done brilliantly at the heart of the defence, but Liverpool do miss his presence in midfield. Ideally, one would say that Liverpool need to sign two centre-backs in January to sustain their push for trophies on all fronts.
Five players who could arrive at Liverpool in January
It is important to keep the long-term picture in mind, as there have been reports that Liverpool are concerned about doing business now for lack of clarity on what the newly-signed players will do when Van Dijk and Gomez return.
Nevertheless, let us take a look at five players Liverpool could sign in January.
#5 Gleison Bremer
Torino centre-back Gelison Bremer has been mooted as a possible option for Liverpool, if they do not loosen their purse-strings too much this month.
The Brazilian, who has been a regular for the Serie A side who are in 18th place this season, could be the latest in a string of low-profile Liverpool signings who could go on to become successful at the club.
According to certain statistical metrics, Bremer is not the ideal fit for Liverpool in terms of not being dominant in the air. However, he makes up for that with excellent recovery despite his penchant to get into trouble..
In that regard, it remains to be seen if this transfer goes through.
#4 Sven Botman
In the last few weeks, several reputed journalists have been adamant that Sven Botman isn't in Liverpool's radar at the moment. But the Dutchman should be catching the Reds' eye, especially for the way he can dominate aerial balls into the box.
Botman has been a revelation for Lille in Ligue 1 this season, with the team locked in a close title race with Lyon and PSG. The player is only 20 years old, so he fits another Liverpool criterion of the signing having a long-term impact in the squad.
Like Bremer, Sven Botman is left-footed too, and that could provide Liverpool with an additional dimension in their squad. With Lille in a financial crisis, Liverpool could negotiate a bargain fee for Botman if they decide to.
#3 Perr Schuurs
Ajax centre-back Perr Schuurs could be another player Liverpool could sign in January although there could be doubts over his readiness to step up to the level that the Reds require.
Perr Schuurs is barely in his first season as a first-team player at Ajax, but he has been very impressive so far for Erik ten Hag's side this season. He also played against Liverpool twice in the UEFA Champions League this campaign.
In the game at Anfield, Schuurs was excellent. He displayed great pace and strength to match Sadio Mane stride-for-stride on many occasions. That is something that surely wouldn't have gone amiss by the watchful Liverpool faithful.
However, like every Ajax player that comes through the ranks, Perr Schuurs may not come cheap for Liverpool.
#2 Ben White
Brighton's Ben White reportedly impressed Liverpool last season when the player was on loan at Leeds United.
White has had a struggle in adapting to life in the Premier League and has seen a dip in his stock but could blossom under the tutelage of Klopp at Liverpool.
However, Brighton may be unwilling to sell the young Englishman, as they are involved in a battle themselves,at the wrong end of the table. That could mean that Brighton put their foot down and hold on to their man.
#1 Dayot Upamecano
Dayot Upamecano is a marquee player that Liverpool could acquire this month. He is wanted by a bevy of clubs across the continent, with Bayern Munich and Manchester United also said to be interested in the player's services.
Upamecano reportedly has a release clause that only kicks in this summer. If Liverpool wish to buy Upamecano, they could well have to pay a premium beyond the release clause though.
However, with Leipzig due to face Liverpool in the Round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League next month, the Bundesliga club may be unwilling to part with one of their prized assets.
