Jurgen Klopp is eyeing a tactical tweak against West Ham and says Andrew Robertson can play as a centre-half
Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that Fabinho will be absent when Liverpool make the trip to West Ham today.
Nineteen-year-old Rhys Williams stood in for Fabinho during Tuesday's 2-0 win over FC Midtjylland in the Champions League.
And with the Brazilian and Matip out of today's contest, there are still number of options at the heart of the Reds defence according to Klopp.
The Liverpool manager believes that a number of his midfielders, as well as left-back Robertson can fill in the position against David Moyes's Hammers.
Klopp also suggest youngsters Billy Koumetio and Nat Phillips can step in.
"I have known Nat the longest and I have been really happy with his development since I've known him," Klopp said.
"He's made big, big steps and is an exceptional character. The little problem was we were all convinced at the time [he would leave].
"There were a lot of clubs interested in him, but the coronavirus crisis meant in the end nobody had the money to do it.
"We expected him to leave the club to be honest, but thank god he didn't. That is the reason why he is not in the Champions League squad, the only reason.
"So now, he cannot be on the bench in the Champions League, but he is available for the Premier League, like all three are but now we have to make a decision.
"We have other options like Henderson, or Gini (Wijnaldum) or James (Milner), or Robbo, he can play centre-half as well.
"They are all not smaller than Javier Mascherano, for example, and he played pretty well in that position (for Barcelona).
"So yes, we still have one or two options and one of them we will choose.
"Which one? You will have to switch on your television tomorrow, or if you are lucky enough to be in the stadium, then watch it there."
Fabinho will be absent when Liverpool make the trip to Manchester City next Sunday.
Joel Matip could yet be passed fit for the game on November 8, but Klopp confirmed that Brazil midfielder Fabinho, who has been forced to deputise in a new role in the absence of Van Dijk and Matip, will be ruled out until after the international break.
The Reds boss said: "Whether it's a 'minor' hamstring injury or not is not important, but after the international break he will be back for sure.
"We just don't know exactly when. But yes, it is a minor thing, not something that will take him out for ages."