Liverpool take on West Ham United in the Premier League this weekend and who will start in defence is anybody’s guess. The Reds are down to just one fit recognised centre back in the senior squad after a series of injuries. Speaking to the Liverpool ECHO ahead of the tie, Jürgen Klopp appears to have confirmed that Billy Koumetio is in contention for the matchday squad.
Liverpool injury crisis
Before the season started fans and pundits alike were questioning the wisdom of beginning the campaign with just three senior centre backs.
The Reds had sold Dejan Lovren and decided not to replace him, content with using Fabinho as cover.
Since then we’ve seen Virgil van Dijk ruled out for the season with an ACL rupture.
Joel Matip has also been sidelined with a muscle problem, leading to Fabby dropping into defence. But wait, there’s more.
Fabinho also got injured recently, picking up a hamstring issue in the Champions League tie with FC Midtjylland.
The Reds now have just Joe Gomez left standing in terms of first team centre backs.
Klopp confirms Billy Koumetio training
With the question on everybody’s lips being ‘just who will lineup alongside Joe Gomez?’ the gaffer has shed some light on who his options are. Jürgen Klopp told the Liverpool ECHO:
“We have four days until West Ham and you will make a story about [Rhys Williams]. He is a talent, 19. More Champions League mins than Premier League mins, 2 CL apps and won both. Promising.
“We have Nat Phillips [for the Premier League] he’s a centre-back. Billy [Koumetio], he will train.”
What RTK has to say
If Billy Koumetio is fit enough to be training with the first team, fit enough to be name dropped by Klopp, then this weekend could be the first time we see his name in the matchday squad this season.
The Frenchman impressed in pre-season but has been injured since then.
At just 17-years-old it would be surprising if he were named in the starting lineup, particularly given Rhys Williams’ strong form when afforded opportunities.
We could, however, see Kouemtio named on the bench in case one of the two centre backs picks up a knock or needs a rest.
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