11 December 2023 , 21:44
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Jurgen Klopp is considering recalling Rhys Williams from his Aberdeen loan spell to help provide defensive cover after losing Joel Matip.
Liverpool star Matip has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after suffering an ACL injury earlier this month. Klopp has several options available to him at the back, with Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Ibrahim Konate and Jarell Quansah the recognised centre-backs in his squad.
But Klopp will no doubt be wary of being left short again after an injury crisis in defence caused Liverpool havoc during the 2020/21 campaign, and he could now bring back youngster Williams to help ease the burden.
According to the Mail, Liverpool are weighing up their options and could call time on Williams' loan spell at Pittodrie, where he has failed to make the Aberdeen side in the Scottish Premiership this season.
However, Williams, 22, could be sent back out on loan if Klopp feels he has adequate cover. Williams was called upon during the 20/21 season and formed an unlikely partnership with Nat Phillips at the heart of Liverpool's defence.
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Their efforts eventually helped the Reds to a third-placed finish and Champions League qualification, though neither has featured much since. Both players are currently playing north of the border with Phillips, 26, on loan at Celtic, where he has managed eight appearances in all competitions.
Williams has played just once for Aberdeen's first team, a 2-1 win over second tier side Stirling in the Scottish League Cup. He has spent the last two seasons on loan at Swansea, then Blackpool, respectively.
Liverpool's Rhys Williams could be recalled from his loan spell at Aberdeen (PA)Klopp has already played down suggestions Liverpool could be tempted to move for a new defender in the January transfer window despite links with Wolfsburg's Maxence Lacroix, who could be available for around £25million.
Liverpool are also admirers of Crystal Palace and England star Marc Guehi, though he would cost significantly more. Asked whether Liverpool would dip into the transfer market to replace Matip, Klopp told a press conference: "You always talk about transfers like it is the easiest thing in the world. They all cost money, it must be the right player.
"We still have four centre-backs. Tell me a club which wants to sell a top, top centre-half. Tell me one." He continued: "Is it now perfect? As long as we can go with those four [centre-backs]. If not, then it will be a bit more tricky with the amount of games coming up.
"It was never wonderland when you bring a world-class centre-back until the other one is fit again. As long as other clubs don't put them under theChristmastree for us and say, 'Take it and use it for as long as you need it'... I didn't really think about it yet because it was only five days since we had that problem. I don't think so, to be honest."
Matip, 32, has the added pressure of knowing his contract at Liverpool expires next summer and he may have played his last game for the club.