Jurgen Klopp has insisted Liverpool can cope in the event of injury to Virgil van Dijk.
Injuries to Manchester City ’s first choice centre halves - with America Laporte out until the New Year, and John Stones sidelined for another month - seems to have offered the Reds a lift in the title race.
But given Van Dijk’s pivotal role in the Anfield squad, many have pointed out that injury to him could hit Liverpool even harder than their rivals.
Klopp though says he is hardly having sleepless nights over the prospect, and argued he has “four world class centre halves” who will all do a job.
“That can happen, but you cannot think about injuries before they happen. We all need luck to be really successful,” he explained.
“From my point of view, we have four world-class centre-halves who can play together in any partnership. Hopefully that will be enough for the season.”
Asked if he had sleepless nights about Van Dijk’s fitness, he replied: “Not yet! That’s the reason we have four centre-halves.
“It’s not easy for the No.4 centre-half in the moment, not playing, sometimes not in the squad.
"But if something happens, like it happened last year, then you end up with one centre-half and a defensive midfielder like against Bayern at home.”
Klopp was in bullish mood despite the midweek Champions League defeat by Napoli, with the manager insisting his side are in a good moment, and on a fine run of form, despite the result.
He wants them to keep going at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, and he received a boost in his title quest, with news that both Naby Keita and keeper Alisson are not far away from a return.
“Naby is back in training, with the team today for the first time. Alisson is making big progress. He had a proper session yesterday with (gk coach) John Achterberg,” he explained.
“Divock Origi, we have to see day by day. We will see. I don’t know what the medical department will tell me today. I think it’s unlikely [for Chelsea ] but why should I rule him out?”
