Liverpool’s season took a massive early blow on Saturday. Virgil van Dijk, arguably their most important player, injured his Anterior Cruciate Ligament under a challenge from Jordan Pickford.
It has been reported that the Dutchman will be lucky to play again this season. The Netherlands will also be worried. Success in next Summer’s Euros could come down to the availability of van Dijk.
While Liverpool’s Summer window was deemed a success by many, a large portion of the fanbase clammered for another centre back, after the Red’s failed to replace Dejan Lovren as fourth choice centre half.
Their concerns have now come true with Liverpool going into a tough run of games with two senior centre backs. After the domestic transfer window closed on Friday, clubs can no longer make signings, however, they can pick up free agents.
This may be something Liverpool will be looking at as the depth in the position isn’t good enough to maintain a title challenge at the time of writing.
They find themselves in a similar position to Valencia. Ezequiel Garay suffered the same injury as van Dijk in March, leaving the Spaniards frantically looking to bring in another defender.
In truth, the list of free agents is somewhat lacklustre, as you’d expect. With Garay only just recovering from his injury, 32-year-old German Daniel Schwaab is the best available, according to transfermarkt.com.
Schwaab left PSV Eindhoven at the end of last season after making 103 appearances for the Dutch side. He represented Germany at #U18, U19 and U21 level but failed to make an appearance for the national side.
Representing FC Freiburg, Bayer Leverkusen and VfB Stuttgart in Germany, he made over 350 senior appearances in club football.
Although it’s unlikely any move will happen, Schwaab’s experience could boost the Reds’ campaign to no end.
To be honest, there’s no point in going into detail with anyone else. If the likelihood of getting Schwaab in is low then the possibility of either Ryan Shotton or Jozo Simunovic joining the Premier League champions is next to nil.
Jurgen Klopp will be hoping that his two remaining senior centre backs can stay fit and step up. If they don’t Liverpool’s season could unravel before their eyes.
