Liverpool have been rocked by the news of Joel Matip’s ACL injury this week, which is expected to rule out the veteran defender for the remainder of the season.
A free transfer in 2016, when fit, the 32-year-old has been one of Jurgen Klopp‘s most dependable players.
Unfortunately, injuries have rarely been too far behind understatedly brilliant performances, with Matip missing significant time in all but two of his campaigns with the club.
The most recent issue, sustained while he was in the midst of another commanding spell at the back alongside Virgil Van Dijk, leaves the Merseyside club stretched in defence.
And though a January move for a replacement seems unlikely, Mail Sport understands there are a few names that have been considered.
Liverpool may have to sign a defender after Joel Matip suffered an ACL injury against Fulham
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is short of defensive options following the injury to Matip
Maxence Lacroix
The 23-year-old Frenchman has spent the last three years with Bundesliga side Wolfsburg after coming from through at Sochaux.
Lacroix is a right-footed centre back, who is capable of also filling in on the right of defence – a vital skill in Liverpool’s system with Trent Alexander-Arnold inverting from that zone in the attacking phase.
The youngster also fits the bill physically. He stands at 6 ft 3 compared to Matip’s 6 ft 5 in, Lacroix is also lightning quick and comfortable on the ball with an eye for a raking cross-field pass.
One of Matip’s key additions to Liverpool’s set up is his ability to break opposition lines with penetrative runs with the ball from deep. In truth, there are precious few defenders who share this trait.
Lacroix possess some of the attributes required to fulfill this role but it is hard to conclude with any certainty in his current capacity for a mid-table Wolfsburg outfit.
Most encouragingly, the French defender has been pretty durable in his career so far, only missing six games in five senior campaigns.
Lacroix (left) has emerged as target for Liverpool in January after impressing in the Bundesliga
Lloyd Kelly
Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly has made nine appearances for the Cherries in the Premier League this term, including two in the side’s current four-game unbeaten run.
However, Andoni Iraola has been forced to cope without the 25-year-old in recent clashes against Aston Villa and Crystal Palace due to a muscular issue that will keep him on the…