Jamie Carragher has doubled down on his criticism over Liverpool's transfer business this season, slamming the club for not bringing in a short-term replacement for Virgil van Dijk.
Van Dijk suffered knee ligament damage following Jordan Pickford’s wild challenge in the Merseyside Derby back in October; an injury which rocked Liverpool's title defence.
Carragher immediately called for Liverpool to bring in temporary defensive reinforcements but the club refused to do so and have instead settled for a makeshift defence.
Joe Gomez also suffered a long-term injury, meaning midfield pair Fabinho and Jordan Henderson have had to deputise in defence while Joel Matip struggles for consistent match fitness.
And Carragher has hit out at the club for their stance, believing that the decision could cost them in their bid to defend their Premier League title crown.
Writing in his column for The Telegraph, he said: "I believe the club’s response should have been activated on October 19, the day Virgil Van Dijk’s cruciate knee operation was confirmed.
"Hindsight is unnecessary. I said then I did not think Liverpool could win the league unless they had a new centre-back in place on January 1.
"They needed one before Joe Gomez was injured. His and Joel Matip’s appearance record was informative of that.
"Frankly, it is preposterous that three months on and with the transfer window now open, Klopp felt compelled to use Jordan Henderson in the position against Manchester United.
"And although Fabinho has been outstanding, he would be more influential in midfield. It has caused a chain reaction throughout the team."
Liverpool's recent misery was compounded on Thursday night as they suffered a 1-0 loss to Burnley which ended an unbeaten home league run stretching back to April 2017.
Ashley Barnes's 83rd-minute penalty was his 100th senior club career goal and he became the first Burnley player to score an away league goal since October 3.
The Reds are now six points off title leaders Manchester United and Carragher says they face an uphill battle to retain their title crown.
He added: "Maybe the club thought Klopp is so good he can overcome any situation. If so, the last few weeks are a reality check for them.
"At the moment, the impediments - albeit many of them unforeseen - look too much to overcome in order to meet the highest ambitions."
Liverpool have a chance to bounce back from their shock defeat by the Clarets when they face United in the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday.
