Liverpool currently face a significant shortage in their centre-back options following an injury setback to Joe Gomez during the pre-season tour. Gomez suffered a minor Achilles injury and has been sent back to Merseyside for treatment, leaving Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate as the only two fit senior centre-backs available to manager Arne Slot. This absence forced Klopp to deploy Ryan Gravenberch and Kostas Tsimikas in unfamiliar central defensive roles during the 4-2 defeat to AC Milan, which exposed susceptibility on the counterattack.
Despite this situation, Arne Slot publicly downplayed concerns about the shortage, suggesting versatility in the squad with players like Gravenberch and Wataru Endo able to fill in as needed. However, fans and analysts emphasize that the lack of genuine depth behind van Dijk and Konate presents a "huge" priority for strengthening before the Premier League season commences.
Indeed, Liverpool allowed young defender Jarell Quansah to leave this summer and have not recruited a replacement, intensifying the need for an experienced and reliable contender to challenge the existing centre-back pairing. Reports highlight Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi as a prime target for Liverpool, seen as a necessary signing to provide competition and cover in central defense. The urgency of reinforcing the position escalated following Gomez’s injury and the defensive instability shown against Milan.
Additionally, contractual uncertainties surrounding Konate—with just 11 months remaining on his deal and no renewal agreement—add further pressure on the club to bolster this area. With fewer than 20 days remaining in the transfer window, Liverpool’s hierarchy is under scrutiny to act quickly to address the glaring lack of centre-back depth, which could otherwise undermine their defensive solidity ahead of the season.
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