08 December 2023 , 05:00
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Liverpool kept the pressure up on Premier League leaders Arsenal with a crucial victory over Sheffield United - but the Reds' week has been tarnished by news Joel Matip will be out for the season.
Goals from Virgil van Dijk and Dominik Szoboszlai helped Jurgen Klopp's side to a hard-earned victory on Wednesday against the now Chris Wilder-led Blades who are battling against relegation. Sadly for Klopp, he was without the services of Matip, who ruptured his ACL in the weekend win over Fulham.
It comes as a blow to Klopp who may now look to revise his plans for the January transfer window. But first up his side must navigate a trip to Crystal Palace in Saturday's early kick-off. Here's the latest news from around Anfield...
Van Dijk makes promise to Matip
Virgil van Dijk has vowed to help Joel Matip overcome his injury nightmare after being struck down with the same ACL problem he suffered previously.
Reds captain Van Dijk sustained his injury back in October 2020 and didn't return to action for nine months until the following July, including missing out on the European Championships. Matip now faces a similar lay-off while his Liverpool contract is due to expire at the end of the season.
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Virgil van Dijk has vowed to help Joel Matip recover from his injury (David Blunsden/Action Plus/REX/Shutterstock)HAVE YOUR SAY: Should Liverpool dip into the transfer market to replace Joel Matip? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
But Van Dijk has already reached out to his team-mate and has promised to help him in his recovery. “Knowing what he will go through now over the next weeks and months, it’s tough," Van Dijk said.
"But we are here for him. Whenever he needs us, we will be there for him. First and foremost, let’s hope the surgery will go well and the route to getting back starts.”
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Klopp eyes replacement
Maxence Lacroix of Wolfsburg has emerged as a target for LiverpoolWith Matip ruled out, Jurgen Klopp is now left short of cover at the back if Liverpool were to face another injury crisis like the one which hampered them previously.
Klopp was forced to bring in Ben Davies and Ozan Kabak as emergency reinforcements back in January 2021 with Van Dijk, Matip and Joe Gomez all sidelined for lengthy periods.
Things aren't at that stage just yet, while Klopp does have Jarell Quansah available for selection, though the Liverpool boss has already identified a possible new signing in January.
Wolfsburg defender Maxence Lacroix has emerged as a target and Liverpool could land his services for around £25m - though the club hope to negotiate that fee down, while Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi is also on their radar.
Read the full story here.
But look away now, Jurgen...
Despite toasting another three points, Klopp couldn't hide his fury at Amazon Prime presenter Marcus Buckland who reminded him Liverpool are due to feature in Saturday's early kick-off - less than 72 hours after the clash with Sheffield United.
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Klopp has made his feelings clear on the hectic Premier League schedule and rued the lack of time his players have to recover ahead of facing Crystal Palace - who also played Wednesday night.
But it only appears that Premier League weekends could be getting even more hectic and further at the mercy of broadcasters as the new TV deals were announced - with Sky set to hold the rights for their most matches ever.
The four-year deal means Sky Sports will air 215 games after winning the rights to four of the five packages, while TNT Sports will show 52 games. From the 2025/26 season, every game that is not at 3pm on a Saturday will be televised on live TV.
Read the full story here.