Carragher Raises Doubts Over Liverpool Title Defence After Southampton Defeat

Jamie Carragher believes Liverpool will not retain their Premier League title unless they sign a new centre-back in the January transfer window.

Liverpool’s injury woes have been well documented this season, with Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez long-term absentees, while Joel Matip was forced off with a groin complaint in last week’s 1-1 draw against West Brom.

Jordan Henderson operated as a makeshift centre-half as Liverpool slumped to a disappointing 1-0 defeat at Southampton on Monday night.

And Carragher feels that Liverpool’s lack of depth in that area could cost them dearly come May.

“I can’t see Liverpool winning the league if they don’t bring a centre-back in,” the Anfield icon said on Monday Night Football.

“It’s imperative that Liverpool sign a centre-back this month. Jordan Henderson isn’t a centre-back.

”Southampton would have been delighted when they saw the team sheet.”

Danny Ings came back to haunt his former side with a second-minute winner as Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men climbed up to sixth in the Premier League.

Incredibly, despite fielding an array of attacking talent – which included deadly trio Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah – Jurgen Klopp’s men only registered ONE shot on target in 90 minutes at St Mary’s.

They also mustered just six efforts on goal in their previous two meetings against the relegation-threatened Baggies and Newcastle too – something which has alarmed Carragher.

“Liverpool’s away form this season has been so poor. They are not creating chances,” the former England defender added.

“That is a really big worry for Liverpool at this moment in terms of what they’re creating away from home. It’s nowhere near enough.

“It’s almost like they’ve forgotten how to play the last seven or eight minutes when they need something.”