Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has not ruled out the possibility of dipping into the transfer market to sign a new centre-back this month.
The Reds boss has been speaking to the media ahead of tomorrow's FA Cup third-round match against Aston Villa at Villa Park, which is now under threat due to a coronavirus outbreak at the hosts' training ground.
Klopp was also quizzed on the impasse between the club and Dutch midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum, who is now free to speak to other clubs ahead of his contract expiring in June.
"I have nothing to say about this," Klopp said when asked if he was hopeful that the contract talks with the 30-year-old would reach a positive conclusion.
"I've said everything about it, how much I like the person and the player. So, there's really nothing else to say about it.
"That's not good or bad news, that's just how it is. If there's a decision you'll know about it. Apart from that, there's nothing else to say."
Liverpool player Georginio Wijnaldum (Photo by Pro Shots/Sipa USA)The Reds boss has seen his team hit a slight dip in form of late having drawn twice and lost once in their last three Premier League outings, not helped by the fact that centre-back trio Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip are all out injured.
In last Monday night's 1-0 defeat to Southampton, Klopp started with midfielders Jordan Henderson and Fabinho in the centre of defence.
He was asked if he might try and bring in a replacement during the January transfer window.
"I cannot say definitely we will not bring one in, it's just not likely because of the situation in the world," Klopp said.
"We should not forget that the situation is a tough one for all people and for football clubs as well.
"I don't want to use the wrong word because then [the media] will make a big fuss about it but there might be some clubs with absolutely no financial problems but this club always was and always will be, with these owners for sure, very responsible with the things we do.
"If the world would have been in a normal place and the club was in the best possible situation, and then there is three senior centre-halves plus Fabinho and Keita all injured, is that a situation where usually we would do something? Yes, definitely.
"But, we are not in that situation so I don't know if something will happen or not.
"Maybe you could do something, but it's wouldn't be a short-term solution. That's not right because it doesn't help really.
"We have to deal with the situation, as we have done so far, and get through this. It's not the best moment for the whole planet, so why should it be for a football club."
OPINION | Steven Gerrard is proving himself a worthy candidate to succeed Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool
