Jurgen Klopp has allayed fears over Liverpool’s issues in central defence. Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez started alongside one another in the 4-0 win over West Ham, but Klopp says the latter “needs time”.
The first-choice partnership would see Van Dijk and Dejan Lovren at the heart of the defence, but Lovren is carrying an injury from Croatia’s journey to the World Cup final.
With Ragnar Klavan seemingly leaving this summer and Joel Matip perennially injured, the Reds are left monitoring their remaining options.
Klopp suggests there are plenty who could fill in if needed.
“There’s no doubt about Joe’s ability to play centre-half, but he needs time,” he said.
“He’s had a long injury. He’s fit which is very good. Together with Virgil they have a very good understanding.
“But we have the others as well. Joel is close to being back and could be in the squad on Monday.
“Dejan is still injured but we have Nat Phillips and Fabinho can play the position as well, if we need.
“That’s good. We have enough players. We need to see who fits the opponents best and then pick the line-up.”
Fabinho has stressed he knew there would be a battle for places in Liverpool’s midfield when he joined this summer and believes it is good for the team.
The Brazilian, recruited from Monaco, is still waiting to make his competitive debut for his new club, having been an unused substitute for the 4-0 Premier League win over West Ham on Sunday that kicked off the Reds’ season.
The midfield selected by boss Jurgen Klopp to start the contest featured James Milner, Georginio Wijnaldum and Fabinho’s fellow new signing Naby Keita, while Jordan Henderson came off the bench.
Fabinho, who had had a minor injury and been unwell in the build-up to the game, told Premier League Productions: “When I came to Liverpool I knew this competition would exist in midfield and I think it’s really good for the team.
“If anything happens to a player, there’s adequate cover.During pre-season I played alongside a variety of different players and we blended really well. So, overall, I think it’s a good thing for the team.”
Fabinho was involved in all nine of Liverpool’s pre-season friendlies and he feels he has done well while adjusting to a new playing style.
“I think my performances have been good,” the 24-year-old said.
“It’s a different playing style than at Monaco; there were two of us in midfield there and here at Liverpool there’s three.
“My midfield partners have given me guidance and assistance, as have the defence. I knew (my role) would change and I feel I’ve adapted well.
“You seek guidance and help from the players around you and that has worked really well up until now.”
He added: “It has been really good since I arrived here.
“The players and the coaching staff have been brilliant. I have been able to fit in really well with the club, the training and games we’ve played have been good.”