Jurgen Klopp says he's been forced to build a new Liverpool line-up as a result of Virgil van Dijk's horror ACL injury.
Holland international Van Dijk is facing up to nine months out of action following a collision with Everton keeper Jordan Pickford in the Merseyside derby.
Liverpool manager Klopp has been forced to shuffle his pack as a result of the injury to Van Dijk, with Fabinho, Joel Matip and Joe Gomez all playing centre-back in recent weeks.
Klopp is hopeful that the disruption Van Dijk's injury has caused will be minimal for his team, and that soon the back four will be clicking as well as they did last season.
"Every team in the world would miss Virgil van Dijk. He is the best centre-half in the world," said Klopp on Monday.
"You have to build a new line-up, which is difficult to do. Joel Matip was injured too.
"Fabinho as the six plays at centre-back. Trent and Robbo, they are all not used to each other but they will get better. We don't expect perfection just not too far from it.
"Everybody needs time to replace a player [like Virgil]. Everyone needs time to replace a massive player or person, but so far we did OK."
One boost for Klopp is the return of goalkeeper Alisson.
On his recovery, the Brazilian said: "It is good to be back. I am really happy. I had the top physios on my side to help me accelerate the recovery process.
"When the doctor said four to six weeks, I said 'No doctor - we should go for two or three weeks maximum.' We went for it and I'm happy to be back."
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