Is Jurgen Klopp’s high-intensity style harming Liverpool?

Liverpool’s wounded list stretched to 11 after hamstring injuries struck Philippe Coutinho and Dejan Lovren during the 1-0 win over Stoke City in the League Cup semi-final first leg.

Jurgen Klopp’s arrival at Anfield has coincided with a terrible run of injuries, with some insinuating his high-energy style is partly to blame. Klopp has made no secret of his desire for a winter break, something he was accustomed to in Germany, and the festive period has torn through his squad.

Among the most vocal critics has been Dutch fitness guru Raymond Verheijen, a coach who has worked with clubs including Barcelona, Chelsea and Manchester City.

Sky Sports pundit Graeme Souness was among those to question Klopp's approach after the tainted win at the Britannia Stadium: "It's not a coincidence, five hamstrings. To have them all at one time, I think they have to look at what they're doing in training."

The Reds are desperately are short of depth as they seek to charge up the Premier League table, meaning Jurgen Klopp – who was previously reluctant to make sweeping changes in January – is contemplating a foray into the transfer market.

"In this moment with no centre-back fit I would say it is a situation where we have to think about going into the transfer market.

"Two weeks ago we had three centre-backs, that's a good situation, at the start of the season we had five, now we have none.

"Injuries? Yeah that's it, we will look at our training! We don't train, we only recover, that is the situation now? There is no training.

"But it's no problem really. I am responsible for these things and if you want to make me responsible then it's okay.

"We have five hamstrings (plus Daniel Sturridge, who is still rehabilitating from one) and it's my responsibility but it is like it is and we have to see what we can do."

It’s impossible to say with any certainty. However, injuries are rarely down to bad luck; they’re a sign something is seriously wrong. Some players – we’re looking at you, Daniel Sturridge – are more susceptible than others, but the sudden onset since Klopp’s arrival suggests his approach is partly to blame. You can't expect your players to play an intense high-pressing game throughout a tight festive period, particularly when they didn't prepare for it in pre-season.

Fabian Kunze: "Klopp was not renowned for working his players too hard in training, but his team has always worked hard on the pitch. Because of Klopp’s idea of playing football (Gegenpressing - I’m sure it’s your new favourite word…) the players have to run a lot, most of the times short sprints to attack the ball holder - so I can imagine that could force muscular problems."

Liverpool desperately need a centre-back and a striker, if possible. But here’s the big problem: there isn’t an obvious defensive option up for sale.

Sure, they could target Matts Hummels – hoping the Klopp-Dortmund link is enough – but it’s pretty dubious they would actually pull it off.

Then there’s Inter’s Jeison Murillo. However, it seems a disastrous plan to throw a 23-year-old in mid-season, especially given he’ll be marshalled by the less-than-reliable Simon Mignolet. Juventus’ Martin Caceres is available to lure to Anfield on a pre-contract agreement, but he won’t be available until the summer.

By all means, hunt for a defender. But Liverpool’s best bet could be tweaking their intense pressing game and training to nurse their squad back to full fitness. If the injuries persist, Liverpool's ambition of a top-four finish is futile.