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Liverpool’s hand has been forced by defensive injuries, admits Mark Lawrenson, with the Reds legend expecting money to be spent as Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk have been sidelined and Joel Matip is “like a willow tree” that could break in the wind.

Lawrenson told talkSPORT: “Matip is a decent player but he’s like a willow tree; he occasionally gets blown over and he’s not fit for two or three weeks, so he’s another worry.

“Some of the younger players have come in and they’ve done absolutely fine, but I think you’re looking at Matip, if fit, with the likes of Fabinho or maybe even Henderson [playing in defence] at some stage.

“But I would think it will force the manager’s hand in the January transfer window.

“He’s going to have to go out and buy somebody, and it won’t be a difficult conversation with the owners. They’ll realise what’s going on; the great thing about them is they’ve got this sporting franchise in America and they know people lose form and get injured, so it’s case of who he’s going to bring in.

“We’re all going to play the game now going into January – who are Liverpool going to sign?”

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