Mamadou Sakho’s Liverpool career appears all but over after Jurgen Klopp admitted that signing a new centre-back ‘would make sense’.
Sakho had hoped to force his way back into the Reds manager’s plans in the wake of an impressive loan spell with Sunday’s opponents Crystal Palace.
Although the France international is ineligible to face his parent club, questions about his long-term future prospects at Anfield have continued to emerge.
Liverpool face a potential injury crisis heading into the clash with Sam Allardyce’s side, with Joel Matip, Ragnar Klavan and Lucas Leiva all currently sidelined.
It has prompted Klopp to concede that defensive reinforcements is a logical step, which appears to have virtually ended Sakho’s attempted comeback hopes.
He said: “It would make sense, but what can I say? It’s nothing to talk about now. We have to find a solution for the weekend – that’s it.
“It’s not 100 percent Lucas cannot play, not 100 percent Joel cannot play, not 100 percent Ragnar cannot play. But they are not in training at the moment.
“Joe Gomez played on Monday for the U23s, again well [and] made big steps in the last few weeks, so maybe we have to try this pair. We will see.
“Of course it would help if you could play the same couple consistently, but if not it’s not about moaning
“It’s not about the boys saying ‘one game, thank you, now give me two weeks’ break’.
“Nothing was about intensity, knocks here, knocks there. Not too cool, but not to change. But it’s now already clear we struggle a bit so far in this week.”
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