Jurgen Klopp has relaxed concerns that Liverpool face a defensive crisis in light of high profile injuries at the back in recent weeks.
The Reds will be without three senior defenders when they go in search of their first league win against Manchester United since March 2014 on Sunday.
Joe Gomez is out for up to six weeks having fractured his leg against Burnley, whilst Joel Matip faces a similar spell on the sidelines after fracturing his collarbone in Tuesday’s win over Napoli.
Right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold has since also been ruled out of this weekend’s fixture following the ankle injury that saw him forced off in the 90th minute of the midweek Champions League clash.
James Milner is now expected to slot in at full-back again after impressing there against Bournemouth, whilst Nathaniel Clyne is also available on the back of his latest injury layoff.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference Klopp told Liverpoolfc.com: “Clyney was injured two, three weeks, nothing serious but serious enough to be out of training. Luckily, for three, four days he’s been in full training. Is he ready for 90 minutes, I don’t know. Is he ready? Yes.”
“Clyne is a very experienced player. Is it perfect, no? Is he experienced enough to do it? Yes, 100%. We have options, we will not push Clyne through after not the longest spell of training.”
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Klopp also made note of pointing out the availability of U23s winger Rafa Camacho, who featured briefly at right-back during the summer.
He added: “We have young guns, we have Rafa Camacho who played outstandingly well in pre-season, even Curtis Jones, they both played against United. We have other options.”
This isn’t so much Klopp hinting at starting opportunities for the 18-year-old, but instead offering some reassurance that he is prepared for such testing times.
Having Clyne fit again could prove a monumental boost across the winter period, even if the Englishman is only able to feature in two or three games.
For now, Milner looks a worthy candidate to carry out a job in defence, whilst Fabinho has also proven he is capable of dropping into the back four if required.