Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has downplayed concerns about the club’s centre-back situation after Joe Gomez left the pre-season tour due to an Achilles injury. Gomez's injury has left Liverpool with just two fit senior centre-backs: captain Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate. Despite this, Slot expressed confidence in the squad's defensive options, stating, "I don’t think we have a concern at centre back" and highlighting that midfielder Ryan Gravenberch and midfielder Wataru Endo can also cover the position if needed. Gravenberch notably played as a centre-back in a recent 4-2 defeat against AC Milan during the pre-season game in Hong Kong.[1][2]

Slot explained that Gomez returned to England to receive focused treatment on his Achilles injury rather than continuing with the group, with hopes of a quicker and more ideal recovery. The coach also confirmed that striker Darwin Núñez missed the AC Milan game due to injury rather than transfer speculation.[1]

Following the departure of Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen, Liverpool has yet to bring in a direct replacement for the young England Under-21 international. Although the club has maintained interest in Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi, no imminent signing appears forthcoming. Despite this, Slot remains confident in the existing defensive options and does not view the current centre-back roster as a pressing issue.[1][2]

Gomez’s injury woes continue, having missed three months last season with a hamstring problem, adding to Liverpool’s defensive challenges this summer. Slot’s remarks reflect a pragmatic approach that emphasizes adaptability within the squad, using versatile players to cover when specialist centre-backs are limited.[1][2]

PP