---
title: "Journalist claims Liverpool are in a “better situation” at centre-back"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/news/journalist-claims-liverpool-are-in-a-better-situation-at-centre-back/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Henry Jackson"
section: "Liverpool News"
published: "2021-01-28T12:00:00Z"
modified: "2021-01-28T12:00:00Z"
---

# Journalist claims Liverpool are in a “better situation” at centre-back

Liverpool find themselves in a “better situation” at centre-back, journalist Fabrizio Romano has cryptically revealed on the [https://www.patreon.com/herewegopodcast](https://www.patreon.com/herewegopodcast)*[Here We Go](https://www.patreon.com/herewegopodcast)* podcast.

The Reds have had a disastrous season in defence, with [Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez](https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/joe-gomez-virgil-van-dijk-19270845) both out for a long period and Joel Matip horribly [injury-prone](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/joel-matip/verletzungen/spieler/82105).

It has left Fabinho playing at centre-back, with youngsters Rhys Williams and Nathaniel Phillips drafted in at times, too.

It looks as though [no new arrival will join](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55578986) this month, but Romano hinted at positivity surrounding Jurgen Klopp’s situation at the back:

> Liverpool are quiet on the situations of their centre backs. Now, they are in a better situation.

### Read Liverpool Verdict

The comments would suggest that one of Van Dijk or Gomez, or both, could be progressing better than expected in their injury recovery.

That could go some way to explaining why a centre-back hasn’t been signed in January, although the severity of their respective injuries suggest a return for either defender this season appears unlikely.

Rushing Van Dijk and Gomez back could have a detrimental effect on the rest of their careers, so they need to be handled carefully.

Having Matip fit again is also something Romano could be alluding to, however, with the Cameroonian expected to start at Tottenham on Thursday night.