Liverpool could now recall ‘superb’ player from loan after what happened to 32-year-old star

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Liverpool are reportedly weighing up the option to recall Nat Phillips from his Celtic loan spell after Joel Matip suffered an ACL injury.

The 32-year-old centre-back is set for a lengthy spell out on the treatment table after suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament against Fulham, with Liverpool now short in defence.

As a result, a move for a defender is firmly on the agenda for the Reds heading into the January transfer window, yet an in-house option could now be considered by Liverpool in the form of Phillips.

According to the Mirror, the 26-year-old defender could be brought back to Anfield as cover in the centre-back position, even with Phillips failing to impress at Celtic this season.

An option that has already been discussed, recalling Phillips could be the wisest move Liverpool make in January if the Reds are unable to sign a more permanent replacement for Matip.

Indeed, the Bolton-born defender has impressed whenever given the chance to play for Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp, and Phillips could relish in one last opportunity to play for the Anfield giants.

Nat Phillips should be a last resort for Liverpool to replace Joel Matip

Phillips remains a fan favourite at Liverpool despite not having a real run out with the Reds since the 2020/21 season, alongside Rhys Williams.

Yet whilst the defender once again returning to Klopp’s starting XI and filling would be a nostalgia hit, Liverpool know that they have to do better than Phillips in January.

A quality, long-term signing should be the first thing the Reds are considering when heading into the market, with options already being rumoured as potential Liverpool targets.

And as a result, Liverpool should only turn to Phillips as an option of last resort, with the English centre-back not quite what the Reds are looking for as a replacement for Matip.