12 December 2023 , 19:10
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Liverpool are considering recalling Nat Phillips from his loan spell at Celtic following Joel Matip's season-ending injury.
Matip suffered ruptured an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during Liverpool's 4-3 victory against Fulham earlier this month and faces a lengthy spell in the treatment room. The 32-year-old's injury has forced Jurgen Klopp to review his options at centre-back.
Phillips famously helped Liverpool qualify for the Champions League during the 2020/21 campaign when Matip, Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez all suffered serious injuries. The 26-year-old formed a brilliant partnership with Rhys Williams in Klopp's back line.
Yet Phillips struggled for minutes after that season and joined Celtic on loan in August. The move hasn't gone to plan, with Phillips struggling to impress the fans and spending much of his time on the bench. He started their 2-1 defeat at Kilmarnock on Sunday.
Liverpool are weighing up whether to bring Phillips back to Merseyside in January. Another option is recalling Williams from his loan spell at Aberdeen. That move hasn't worked out either, with the 22-year-old playing just 90 minutes of football this season.
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Liverpool still have plenty of options at centre-back, with Van Dijk, Gomez and Ibrahima Konate all fit. Fans would also love to see Jarell Quansah given a run in the team. The 20-year-old defender is enjoying a breakthrough season, making 11 senior outings to date.
Yet recalling Phillips or Williams would be wise decision, as a full-blown injury crisis could develop at any stage. The two players may also be willing to return to Merseyside due to their challenging loan moves and Liverpool competing in lots of competitions.
Jurgen Klopp is a big fan of Phillips and Rhys Williams (Getty Images)Do you think Liverpool should recall Nat Phillips? Let us know in the comments below!
Klopp's side have reached the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup and progressed to the next stage of the Europa League. The latter is a competition they will be disappointed not to win. They are currently one point clear of Arsenal at the top of the Premier League.
Klopp is a big fan of Phillips and Williams, calling them "incredible" after their heroics three years ago. Liverpool plummeted down the table after losing six consecutive home Premier League games but won eight of their last 10 in the division to finish third.
Klopp said at the time: "These two boys, playing like that, it is incredible, absolutely incredible. That was a proper crash course in a Premier League education, and they have learned so much. It’s a sign for all our kids at Liverpool in the academy.
"It’s possible - it shows it’s possible... just work hard. These boys they are obviously not skilled like crazy, they had to work incredibly hard. And now they are proper, proper Premier League players. And that’s exactly how it can work. I am really happy for them."