Reigning European champions Liverpool are facing a crisis at centre back according to manager Jurgen Klopp.
Liverpool have just two fit senior centre backs ahead of the busy festive period which also includes games in the 2019 FIFA Club World Cup tournament in Qatar.
The Reds also face games against Aston Villa and Everton in the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup respectively during the festive period.
During his pre-match press conference on Friday, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp confirmed that England international Joe Gomez and Dutch international Virgil Van Dijk are the only fit centre backs for their next game in the Premier League, at home to Watford.
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The Reds will have to negotiate the Watford game with the centre back duo of Joe Gomez and Virgil Van Dijk.
Other Liverpool centre backs like Joel Matip and Dejan Lovren are currently out injured with respective injuries.
Joel Matip is still recovering from the knee injury that has plagued him for the better part of the last two months.
On his part, Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren is also struggling with a muscular injury.
Defensive midfielder Fabinho can also play as a centre back but the Brazilian is also injured at the moment.