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Adam Lallana has suggested that Liverpool have enough strength in depth as a central defender despite Virgil van Dijk’s injury and suggested that Jordan Henderson could even replace him.
The Dutchman will miss much of the 2020/21 season after sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament injury against Everton on October 17.
The surgery will rule out Van Dijk for at least six months, although Liverpool are reluctant to set a deadline for his return to action.
Without Van Dijk, Fabinho and Joe Gomez have been Jurgen Klopp’s preferred defensive partner, with Joel Matip still on the sidelines.
While some have suggested Liverpool should look for a new defender, having sold Dejan Lovren in the summer, Lallana believes the club is well equipped to cope without its best defender.
“Of course it will have a huge impact,” Lallana told BT Sport before the Reds’ 2-0 win against Midtjylland in the Champions League.
“He is the best defender in the world, but the characters they have in the group, everyone will know that they have to give a little more.”
* If you want more reaction, including Jurgen Klopp’s press conference, watch the post-game podcast HERE.
“Everyone will know that they have to step forward, everyone will know that they have to act and I support them to do so.
“You have seen him so far with Fabinho’s performances since he was asked to play as central midfielder and it has been sensational.
“Joe Gomez has also improved, he is very young but he has played so many games at such a high level.
“They definitely have the ability to perform at the highest level and still win the silver medal even without the sensational Virgil van Dijk.
“Joel Matip’s back fitted in too. Even Jordan Henderson played center-back at the Club World Cup last year and did well!
“So they will be fine, they also have some good young talent. I think they will be absolutely fine.”
But the situation of the central now has been complicated by the injury of Fabinho.
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The Brazilian was forced to withdraw with less than half an hour played during last night’s European clash.
Young defender Rhys Williams impressed when he came in as a substitute, and now he can be in line for action against West Ham this weekend.
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