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Jurgen Klopp is expected to move Jordan Henderson to central defense when Liverpool host West Ham on Saturday night.
The Reds coach has only one senior center-back available after Fabinho joined Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip on the bench this week.
The Brazilian suffered a hamstring injury during a 2-0 win over Midtjylland in the Champions League on Tuesday and is likely to be out until after the next international break.
Meanwhile, Van Dijk faces an uphill battle to reappear this season after sustaining an ACL injury in the draw with Everton, and Joel Matip is out of shape for the match.
(Image: Peter Byrne / POOL / EPA-EFE / REX / Shutterstock)
Given his lack of options, Klopp must choose between deploying a defensive midfielder or calling in a youth player.
Rhys Williams, 19, was impressed after replacing Fabinho against Midtjylland, but the Reds boss is expected to opt for an experienced boss alongside Joe Gomez.
Versatile midfielder Henderson is the man most likely to replace, while Georginio Wijnaldum has also played defense on rare occasions with Klopp.
Who should Klopp pair Gomez with in central defense? Give us your opinion here.
(Image: PA)
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On the other hand, Alisson is expected to receive the gloves, and Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson will almost certainly get the nod in the wing roles.
If Henderson returns to defense, Klopp may choose to play a midfield three from James Milner, Thiago Alcantara and Wijnaldum.
In attack, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino are expected to start, but a doubt from the injury surrounding Mohamed Salah means that Diogo Jota may have a chance to continue in good form.
Salah was seen limping in the tunnel after the victory midweek and while he has been photographed training, Klopp may choose to let the Egyptian rest before trips to Atalanta and Manchester City next week.
Liverpool XI planned: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Henderson, Gomez, Robertson; Milner, Thiago, Wijnaldum; Mal, Firmino, Mane
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