Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has issued a stark warning that the Merseyside club face the prospect of failing to secure Champions League football next season without defensive reinforcements in the winter transfer window.
The defending champions have endured a dramatic collapse in form, suffering seven defeats in their past ten fixtures across all competitions.
This dismal run has seen them plummet to eighth position in the Premier League standings.
Their struggles were brutally exposed in a comprehensive 3-0 defeat to Manchester City before the international break.
Jamie Carragher believes Liverpool must sign a defender or miss out on Champions League football
| PAThe result epitomised Liverpool's defensive frailties this season, particularly in away fixtures where they have consistently struggled against physical opposition.
Speaking on The Overlap podcast, Carragher delivered a damning assessment of the squad's capabilities under new manager Arne Slot's tactical philosophy.
"I think there are lots of little things. But if we're being honest, looking at the games they've lost and the type of games they've lost, they can't handle the physicality of the Premier League," the former England international stated.
He suggested Slot's attempts to implement a more possession-based approach have left the team vulnerable.
"Arne Slot wanted to move Liverpool to almost have more football, more goals and entertainment," Carragher explained.
Arne Slot has come under pressure despite winning the Premier League last year with Liverpool
|PA
The pundit believes the current squad lacks the necessary attributes for Premier League success.
"I don't think this group of players is equipped to win the Premier League this year," he concluded.
Liverpool's extraordinary £450 million summer investment has failed to address their defensive vulnerabilities.
The club's spending included record-breaking acquisitions of Florian Wirtz for £116 million and Alexander Isak, yet neither has delivered expected returns.
Wirtz has particularly struggled, failing to contribute a single goal or assist in eleven Premier League appearances.
German publication Sport Bild suggests Mohamed Salah has been reluctant to develop partnerships with the new arrival.
The defensive recruitment proved especially problematic. Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi completed a medical examination for a £35 million transfer, but the deal collapsed when Palace couldn't secure a replacement on deadline day.
This failure left Liverpool's defence exposed, with new arrivals Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez yet to find their feet.
Carragher's ultimatum was unequivocal: "I think if Liverpool don't sign a defender in January, they could miss out on the Champions League."
The club may revisit their interest in Guehi, whose Palace contract expires in 2026 with no renewal agreed.
Additionally, Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo has emerged as a target, with his £65 million release clause becoming active midway through the campaign.
Liverpool were unsuccessful in their pursuit of Crystal Palace skipper Marc Guehi this summer | REUTERSThe Ghana international's impressive performances have attracted multiple Premier League suitors. Liverpool desperately need positive results when they host Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
They currently trail league leaders Arsenal by eight points after just eleven matches, a gap that threatens to derail their entire campaign.