Injuries could force Jurgen Klopp to target a new defender when the January transfer window opens in less than a month.

The German was dealt an enormous blow during the 3-1 win against Burnley earlier in the month when Joe Gomez was stretched off with a lower leg fracture. Scans revealed the England international would miss six weeks of action, but luckily Joel Matip performed admirably in his absence against Bournemouth and Napoli. Unfortunately, the ex-Schalke defender is also set for a spell on the sidelines with a shoulder injury sustained against the Italians.

The news leaves just Virgil van Dijk, and Dejan Lovren as the senior centre-backs on Anfield and the Croatian has been plagued with various problems himself this season. Klopp is adamant he won’t be spending during the upcoming window, but his lack of depth in defence is an issue that needs to be addressed if Liverpool are to stay ahead of Manchester City. Signing a new defender could prove to be a wise move in the long-term.

Therefore, the Reds should line up a move for Stuttgart defender – Benjamin Pavard. Valued at £36m by Transfermarkt, the Frenchman burst on the scene last season after a hugely impressive campaign in the Bundesliga. Pavard established himself as one of the best defenders in the division and earned a starting role in France’s World Cup winning squad – grabbing the headlines by scoring the goal of the tournament against Argentina.

Pavard is a modern-day centre-back who excels with the ball at his feet but is also an excellent defender, making him the perfect partner for van Dijk. The 22-year-old reads the game expertly, averaging 1.9 interceptions per game in the Bundesliga, no defender made more in Germany last season. The Frenchman is also comfortable at right-back meaning he will provide cover for Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Klopp is hugely fond of players who can cover various positions making Pavard the perfect addition (WhoScored).

The youngster is still developing and working with van Dijk on Merseyside could do wonders for his development.

Liverpool fans, thoughts?