Liverpool's defence is threadbare after a string of setbacks — Alexander Isak's leg fracture and absences for Ibrahima Konaté and Joe Gomez leave the Reds short at centre-back. Punters should be wary of backing Liverpool to keep clean sheets and consider markets like both teams to score or backing opponents/overs; a January defensive signing would likely shorten Liverpool's goals-against odds in the second half of the season.
Liverpool hit by defensive crisis as injuries mount
Liverpool have returned to winning ways and are unbeaten in their last three matches, but a growing defensive injury list has left head coach Arne Slot facing selection headaches. The club's backline has been severely disrupted after key absences and a serious leg injury in recent fixtures.
Salah fallout resolved but leaves for AFCON
Mohamed Salah’s public spat with Arne Slot dominated headlines, yet the pair patched up their differences before the forward flew out to the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. The 33-year-old has already found the net in the tournament, giving Liverpool a temporary boost in attacking stock while he is away.
Major injury blow: Alexander Isak sidelined
Alexander Isak suffered a fractured leg during the 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur and has been forced into surgery after a challenge from Micky van de Ven. The record-signing faces a prolonged period on the sidelines, leaving clubs and bookmakers to reassess attacking and defensive markets wherever he featured.
Centre-back concerns deepen ahead of Wolves clash
Ibrahima Konaté’s absence from training pictures ahead of the December 27 showdown with Wolves has raised fresh doubts over his fitness. If Konaté is ruled out, Liverpool could be left without a senior centre-back alongside captain Virgil van Dijk, a situation compounded by Joe Gomez’s latest setback when he was substituted after just 26 minutes against Brighton & Hove Albion.
Immediate implications for selection and tactics
With senior defensive options limited, Slot may have to reshuffle personnel or adopt more conservative tactics while injuries persist. The lack of experienced cover places greater emphasis on January reinforcements or emergency short-term solutions to stabilize the backline.
January transfer window: urgente need for reinforcements
With the transfer window approaching, Liverpool are linked with multiple targets across Europe as they seek to plug defensive and attacking gaps. The need for cover at centre-back is pressing, and January offers an opportunity to secure personnel who can provide depth for the second half of the season.
Marc Guehi and other names linked to Anfield
Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi remains on Liverpool’s radar after a failed move last summer. The England international is out of contract next summer, and January represents Palace’s last realistic chance to recoup transfer fees — dependent on their domestic push for European qualification and continued progress in continental competition.
Attackers still mooted amid transfer speculation
Attack targets continue to surface in the rumour mill. Manchester City have reportedly advanced in talks for Antoine Semenyo after Liverpool showed interest, while links to Karim Adeyemi have also re-emerged. Any incoming attackers would bolster options while Salah competes at AFCON.
What this means for bettors and the run-in
The combination of defensive absences and high-profile forward departures on international duty affects betting markets. Expect higher odds for Liverpool clean sheets and increased movement in both-teams-to-score and over/under markets until reinforcements arrive or injured players return. Monitor transfer activity closely — a January signing could quickly alter match betting lines and season-long markets.
Liverpool: Van Dijk casts uncertainty over Mohamed Salah's future
Liverpool face an important period as they weather injuries and look to reiterate their Champions League credentials with the January transfer window around the corner
Liverpool Echo
