Rodgers Plots January Move to Replace Liverpool's Injury-Stricken Spaniard

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers says the club will investigate signing cover for Jose Enrique in the January transfer window after the Spaniard was ruled out until the New Year after knee surgery.

Enrique has been suffering from the injury for most of the season and missed the Merseyside derby against Everton having been ruled out for 10 weeks after going under the knife last week.

Jon Flanagan filled in at left-back in Enrique's absence and Liverpool also have loan signing Moussa Sissoko in reserve but Rodgers is keen to add cover at left-back.

"It is certainly something that - if Jose is going to be out for a long time - we would have to look at for sure," he said. "We think Jose will be a few months. It is not a long-term one but will be the new year for sure.

"It is not ideal; you would prefer two in there to really be challenging. Jose is clearly one of the best left-backs in the league and to have him out is a blow."

Despite making eight signings in the summer transfer window, Liverpool appear likely to seek further additions in January to cement their place in the top four, which currently sees them four points behind leaders Arsenal in second.

Fabio Coentrao and Ryan Bertrand are among those players would could become available in the summer, but as yet Liverpool have not expressed any interest in any definitive targets.

The Reds have also been linked with beefing up their attacking options, with Rodgers possessing little depth behind first-choice pair Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge.

Despite his impressive form this season, Sturridge has suffered from separate foot and thigh problems leading to concerns over his fitness across the course of the campaign.

Iago Aspas, who has featured infrequently this season, is out with a thigh tear but is expected to return in time for the festive period.