Liverpool manager, Brendan Rodgers, insists he will not panic buy and spend for the sake of it in the January transfer window.
The Reds have enjoyed an excellent season in the Premier League and sit only behind Arsenal ahead of this weekend’s trip to Tottenham. The Premier League betting odds suggest that they are well placed to be crowned champions for the first time in 24 years, in arguably the most open title race since then.
However, Liverpool’s hopes of ending their long wait have been hit by injuries to two key players, captain, Steven Gerrard, and forward, Daniel Sturridge.
Gerrard had found his best form before he limped off in last weekend’s 4-1 victory over West Ham with a hamstring problem, while Sturridge had netted 11 times for the Reds before he picked up an ankle injury in training prior to the Hull game.
Both players are expected to be out until the middle of January, which is a huge blow to Liverpool ahead of the busy festive period.
While even more responsibility now falls onto the shoulders of Luis Suarez, Rodgers will bide his time when the window opens.
“January can be a hard window. While we were very successful in it last year – with Philippe Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge – we just won’t be buying for the sake of it,” he told Sky Sports News.
“We will wait and see what is out there.”
Rodgers may well change his approach should Suarez join Gerrard and Sturridge on the injury list. Those three are Liverpool’s main men and they will determine how close they get to title glory.
Fans betting on soccer should note that the next few weeks are a big test of the Reds’ title credentials. A good festive period without Gerrard and Sturridge would set them up nicely for the second half of the campaign.