Liverpool have “absolutely no chance” of winning the Premier League title and could miss out on the top four, says Stephane Henchoz.
The Reds have endured a mixed start to their 2017-18 campaign, with showings such as a 4-0 mauling of Arsenal countered by those in a 5-0 humbling by Manchester City.
Jurgen Klopp has struggled to address the defensive frailties which have hampered his side for some time, with precious points being lost due to an inability to keep clean sheets.
Henchoz believes those issues should have been sorted during the summer transfer window, with it possible that Liverpool could fail to secure Champions League qualification if they continue down their current path.
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The former Reds defender told the BBC: "It was a big problem last season and everybody was hoping they could solve the problem.
“I think they definitely should buy somebody. At least one or two centre-backs, they tried [Virgil] Van Dijk, but they couldn't make it happen.
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"I don't know. It seems that it is always the same mistakes, set pieces, they are very weak, very poor.
"The way it is at the moment, they have absolutely no chance of competing for the title.
“They would be more than happy to finish in the top four, but if they carry on the way they are conceding goals, I can't see them finishing in the top four unfortunately."
Liverpool have collected just two clean sheets in all competitions this season, from 12 fixtures.
They have been breached 12 times in seven Premier League outings, with only West Ham (13) and rock-bottom Crystal Palace (17) having endured greater struggles at keeping opponents out.
The Reds will return to action after the international break with a home date against old adversaries Manchester United – the second-highest scoring team in the division with 21 efforts to their name so far.