5 Left-Back Transfer Targets to Cover Liverpool's Jose Enrique

News that Jose Enrique will be ruled out for up to 10 weeks after successful arthroscopic surgery on his right knee comes as a major blow to Liverpool's season.

The Spaniard is often associated with his eccentric and rather random play, with former teammate Jamie Carragher revealing earlier this season live on Sky Sports TV, "I didn't have a clue what he'd do by the end. I stopped speaking to him, he didn't listen."

However, Enrique's absence from Liverpool hasn't gone unnoticed.

In his eight Premier League appearances this season, Enrique has displayed a passing accuracy of 80 percent, created eight chances and made just two defensive errors, according to Squawka.

Liverpool have found themselves short of options on the left side, with loan signing Aly Cissokho looking out of his depth.

Jon Flanagan has done an excellent job in his limited appearances on both sides of defence, but the responsibilities of a first-team place can't be solely left to rest on his young shoulders.

Enrique's injury might, in that case, spur Liverpool and Brendan Rodgers into finding a new left-back in the transfer market come January.

Even without Enrique's injury, Liverpool's plaguing left-sided problem is one that would be best fixed permanently.

There are several high quality and available options for the Reds to mull over during the festive period.

Fabio Coentrao

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Fabio Coentrao's appearances at Real Madrid have dwindled since Carlo Ancelotti took over at the Bernabeu, with the Portuguese international yet to play in La Liga this season.

He was denied a transfer deadline day move to Manchester United in the summer, with Metro reporting in September that David Moyes will move for the 25-year-old again come January.

Coentrao's attacking ability, coupled with his world-class defensive skill, would fit perfectly with Rodgers' system.

However, Liverpool could struggle to attract the former Benfica man without the lure of Champions League football.

A recent report by Duncan Castles for One World Sports suggested Real are set to offer Coentrao a new deal to stay in Madrid. 

Ricardo Rodriguez

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Ricardo Rodriguez, 21, is currently winning much acclaim in the Bundesliga with Wolfsburg.

Whilst making no defensive errors in his opening 13 games of the season for the German outfit, the Swiss international has made 22 chances for his side, according to Squawka, proving his attacking and playmaking qualities.

Karl Machett used a statistical analysis of Rodriguez on Squawka to suggest Liverpool move for him, describing the left-back as a stand-out, all-round defender.

Ryan Bertrand

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Before signing Valencia's Cissokho on a loan for the season, the Telegraph reported in July that Liverpool were keen to sign Chelsea left-back Ryan Bertrand.

However, the 24-year-old has made it clear he intends to fight for his place at Stamford Bridge, despite heavy competition from Ashley Cole.

Having made just one Premier League appearance for the Blues this season, Bertrand is struggling to gain experience.

Jose Mourinho may be tempted to allow the former Nottingham Forest loanee to leave, following the same path as Daniel Sturridge, who left West London due to lack of first-team opportunities. 

Dennis Aogo

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According to the Daily Express, citing German tabloid Bild, Liverpool are already preparing to move for Hamburg defender Dennis Aogo "for as little as £2.5 million."

Aogo is currently on loan at Schalke 04, enjoying a run in the team in both Bundesliga and Champions League games.

However, the Express say Bild believe Aogo is yet to make a decision about his permanent future.

The 26-year-old has won 12 caps for Germany, having previous played for Freiburg and made over 150 appearances for Hamburg, according to Caught Offside. 

Ben Davies

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Having previously worked closely with the youth setup at Swansea City, Rodgers may be tempted to go back and raid his former club for Welsh starlet Ben Davies.

The 20-year-old has already made nine appearances for his country and has cemented himself as a first-team regular at the Liberty Stadium this season.

Davies boasts an 80 percent pass completion record, has created eight chances and scored two goals in his 10 league appearances for the Swans in 2013/14, according to Squawka.