Liverpool’s search for central defensive reinforcement has led them to Queens Park Rangers defender Steven Caulker, who has now finalised a loan move to Anfield.
Caulker was a season-long loan at Southampton but failed to establish himself in Ronald Koeman’s side and last played for the club in December’s 6-1 defeat by Liverpool in the Capital One Cup quarter-final.
QPR have accepted Liverpool’s offer of a loan deal until the end of the season and Caulker returned to Loftus Road on Tuesday to officially cancel his terms with Southampton. The 24-year-old was registered by noon, meaning he will be eligible to play for Liverpool against Arsenal in the Premier League on Wednesday. The former Tottenham Hotspur and Cardiff City defender could train with Jürgen Klopp’s squad at Melwood later on Tuesday.
“Liverpool Football Club have completed the signing of Steven Caulker on loan from Queens Park Rangers until the end of the season,” read a statement on Liverpool’s website.
“The relevant paperwork has been completed in time to allow the centre-back to be eligible for selection for Wednesday evening’s Barclays Premier League fixture with Arsenal at Anfield.
“Caulker, who has Premier League experience as well as being capped by England, showed a willingness to commit to the Reds at short notice.”
His arrival eases the injury situation the club are currently facing in defence, which includes both short and long-term absentees.
Klopp lost all four of his established central defenders to injury for Friday’s FA Cup tie at Exeter City – Martin Skrtel, Dejan Lovren, Mamadou Sakho and Kolo Touré . Both Touré and Sakho are expected to be fit for Arsenal’s visit to Anfield but the Liverpool manager is keen for experienced cover given the club’s on-going injury problems.
