Jurgen Klopp has trusted Nathaniel Phillips to line up at centre-back for Liverpool against West Ham because he is the most experienced option available.
The Reds are battling a defensive injury crisis after seeing Virgil van Dijk ruled out for several months with a knee ligament injury sustained against Everton in early-October.
With makeshift centre-back Fabinho out and Joel Matip still injured, 23-year-old Phillips has been drafted in for Saturday’s Premier League clash at Anfield.
Rhys Williams was the one trusted to replace Fabinho after the Brazil international limped off in the first half of Liverpool’s Champions League win against Midtjylland on Tuesday, while Klopp also highlighted 17-year-old Billy Koumetio as an option to partner Joe Gomez in the back line.