Liverpool fans concerned about Joel Matip 'replacement' who is set to rejoin in January

Liverpool defender Joel Matip will miss the rest of the season after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury - and fans have been left concerned over his possible 'replacement'.

The Cameroon defender suffered the injury during Sunday's 4-3 win over Fulham at Anfield, with concerns expressed over the severity of the issue at the time.

Liverpool's worst fears were then realised when ACL damage was confirmed, with the 32-year-old having potentially played his last game for the club ahead of his contract expiring this summer.

Klopp stated in a press conference on Friday that it would be difficult for the Reds to source a replacement from Matip in January - and Liverpool may have to look at players who are already at the club instead.

You can watch the German's answer below.

While Jarell Quansah and Ibrahima Konate will share right-sided defensive duties, there is now little cover for Virgil van Dijk on the left side of defence.

One player who did fill that role regularly during the injury-hit 2020/21 season was Nat Phillips.

But the 26-year-old has only played two Premier League games since then, and has made just five league appearances during a loan spell with Celtic so far this season.

With his deal at Celtic Park only running for the first half of the season, Phillips is set to return to Anfield in January.

And fans are concerned that the centre-back could be Matip's 'replacement' if Liverpool can't sign another defender.

One fan took to X (Twitter) to claim: "LFC know Matip, Gomez and Konate are injury prone, this was sadly inevitable in the same way Nat Phillips will be brought back in Jan at the expense of his career to add numbers. The club will not sign a CB in January."

Another wrote: "I guarantee our Matip replacement in January's gonna be recalling Nat Phillips who can't get into the Celtic team."

A third said: "Nat Phillips is the Matip replacement. Hope no more, guys."

And a fourth prophesied: "Liverpool will be linked to every defender under the sun between now and the end of January. They'll end up recalling Nat Phillips."

Topics: Liverpool, Joel Matip, Premier League, Transfers, Jurgen Klopp, Fan Reactions

Ryan Smart

Live in constant hope of the top flight as a Preston North End fan. Written in the past for SPORF, GiveMeSport and more.