Liverpool centre back Nat Phillips was on the pitch midweek starting for the Reds after a long long time. But sadly, the game against AC Milan at San Siro seems like the final time for Nat Phillips in Liverpool shirt as the Reds might be planning to cash in on him in the upcoming transfer window.
Phillips is set to miss the rest of the year with a fractured cheekbone suffered midweek against Milan. Thus, Klopp is expecting him to return in “four or five weeks.”
However, Klopp did assure that the injury was not as bad as it could have been for the defender.
Also, Klopp has already acknowledged that the 24-year-old is available for transfer in January. Therefore, Phillips might have just played his last game for the club.
Speaking to reporters on Friday Klopp said:
I’m very happy that Nat is here, to be honest,
But, how I said, we will not block anything – I think, at least, it’s not the plan anymore. But who knows what happens until January, then we would talk completely new.
It’s of course not the luckiest moment for this, but by the end of January he will be completely fine, definitely – or probably in the middle of January, I don’t know exactly.
So we will see that it will be completely fine. It’s not complicated, it’s just not cool.
We will see what that means exactly, but in the long term, it’s no problem. Everything will be fine for Nat, definitely.
Meanwhile, West Ham and Newcastle are among the clubs that are closely monitoring Phillips situation. But his injury can be a concern moving forward to complete the move away from Anfield.
Prior to the Milan game, Phillips only appearances for Liverpool this season came as a substitute against Preston North End in the Carabao Cup and for the final few moments against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.
Here are some Liverpool fans reacting on Phillips’ injury on twitter
This is not good. Come back strong Nat Phillips💪❤️
— Gabriel Ifeanyichukwu (@realifybeth) December 10, 2021
Such a sad he had a excellent game against Ac Milan game.
— Delboy (@DelwynSJ) December 10, 2021
Oh man hope he recovers fast
— Karthik (@KarthikTheRed2) December 10, 2021
And he never even noticed. Machine.
— Peter Murphy (@PeterMu22774482) December 10, 2021
Is it too early for Nat Phillips to part away from Liverpool in the January transfer window?
Nat Phillips was the saviour for the Reds last season when Klopp’s squad was in an injury crisis. All of Liverpool’s first-team centre backs had injuries and Klopp was without centre back options.
Defenders Nat Phillips and young Rhys Williams put up a brilliant show lately and ensured Reds finish in the top four.
Nat Phillips commendable performance saw some Reds fans compare him with Italy and AC Milan legend Maldini.
Meanwhile, Phillips turn on his own box against Milan to deceive Zlatan and Kessie. Moreover, it was described as “the moment of the night” by the Reds boss Jurgen Klopp.
There are many instances when the Englishman has showcased individual brilliance. But unfortunately (for Nat), this season with the return of Van Dijk, Matip and new signing Konate has hampered Phillips’ first-team opportunities.
It is a bitter blow where the love affair between Phillips and Liverpool seems to be fading with a move away from the club looks likely.
It Wouldn’t be surprising if the Englishman turns out to be a world-class defender moving forward. He is definitely someone who should be regularly featuring in starting eleven.
