After months of sticking to their guns, panic stations have suddenly set in at Liverpool. Despite Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez being effectively ruled out for the season, the reigning champions were confident they could survive with their current options.
But an injury to Joel Matip on Thursday has proved to be the final straw. With Fabinho also ruled out of Sunday's clash with West Ham, Liverpool now have youngster Rhys Williams and fringe man Nat Phillips as the only fit recognised centre-backs in their squad.
Captain Jordan Henderson will almost certainly be deputising alongside one of them until Fabinho returns, but the clock is now ticking on Liverpool to find a replacement.
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