Liverpool look to Bundesliga in centre-back search
Liverpool will scout the Bundesliga for an experienced centre-back as cover following the double blow of losing Mamadou Sakho and Joe Gomez for the start of the new season, Goal understands.
The pair are suffering with tendinopathy of the Achilles, which is not a serious injury, but will have to be treated through a sensitive loading programme.
And Jurgen Klopp and his assistants will turn to a market they specialise in as they bring in support for the backline.
It is likely they will settle on a left-sided player, with the view that he will only fill in when required rather than challenge the current options at the heart of defence.
Any possible new signing will, in effect, be a replacement for Kolo Toure, who was released this summer.
Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip are the preferred centre-back pairing for 2016-17, but it is understood that Klopp is a massive admirer of Gomez.
The German views the 19-year-old as integral to his long-term plans for Liverpool as he has all the attributes the manager appreciates.
Gomez was closing in on a return to full training after nursing an ACL injury, which was sustained shortly after Klopp’s appointment in October last year.
The teenager worked tirelessly on his rehabilitation with the club’s medical and sports science staff at Melwood over the summer in an attempt to ensure he would be ready to play a part in pre-season.
And before the latest setback, the manager was considering sending him out on loan to feature regularly once he regained his sharpness.
Klopp is heavily invested in the England U21 international’s development, and now wants him to primarily focus on his fitness for the rest of this year.
The player has maintained a positive outlook despite suffering yet another cruel hinderance to his career. His attitude is one of the qualities Klopp most admirers.
Source: Goal.com
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