Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville is expecting Liverpool to sign a replacement for Virgil van Dijk when the transfer window reopens in January.

The Dutchman has undergone successful surgery on an ACL injury he sustained in the Merseyside derby last month but he is not expected to return before the end of the season. With the defender likely to be out for a lengthy period of time, Neville feels that the Reds will be in the market for another centre-half:

“It wouldn’t surprise me if in a few weeks time they deal with that issue with Van Dijk and bring in a centre-back just to get through, even if it’s on loan or a more permanent solution.

Although Nat Phillips performed admirably against West Ham on Saturday, it will be a different ball game when they come up against a more potent attack in Manchester City next weekend.

Joel Matip could return for the game at the Etihad Stadium but his recent injury track record would suggest there is no guarantee he will be back in time. Fabinho is also expected to be out until the next international break with a hamstring problem.

With just three senior centre-backs and only one fit, you would hope that Liverpool would be actively seeking to sign another defender at the earliest possible opportunity, as Neville says.