Liverpool must be lucky with availability of centre-backs this season

LUCK NEEDED: Jurgen Klopp hopes to avoid a defensive crisis this season. Pic: Peter Byrne/PA

Jurgen Klopp admitted Liverpool must be “lucky” with the availability of their centre-backs this season as he hinted he was unlikely to add to his options before the transfer deadline.

Ibrahima Konate is a doubt for Sunday afternoon’s trip to Newcastle because of a muscular problem and Joe Gomez or Joel Matip could instead partner Virgil Van Dijk at the heart of the Reds’ defence.