Martin Skrtel is currently out of action for Liverpool and his absence at the heart of central defence has left manager Jürgen Klopp with a major replacement problem on his hands.
The news came at Klopp's pre-match press conference against upcoming Sunderland and after conceding 12 goals in their last five Premier League games, the announcement that his return date his been pushed back will be a crushing blow in the midst of the defensive crisis.
With several defenders vying for a place in the back four, who should get the nod to fill in for the Slovakian as Klopp's players enter a gruelling run of six games in just 22 days?
Skrtel: The Stalwart
The 31-year-old has been out of action since limping off in the 3-0 defteat to Watford on 20 December, as scans the following day revealed a tear to his hamstring and tendon.
Previous to his injury the defender managed seven clean sheets while fellow centre-back Kolo Touré picked up five, but it was Dejan Lovren who leads the way with 11 clean sheets this season.
The veteran of Liverpool has been a mainstay in the side since his arrival from Zenit St Petersburg in 2008 that has seen him outstay four managers including Rafa Benitez, Kenny Dalglish and Brendan Rodgers.
Despite his main job being to stop the opponents scoring, the centre-back has been known to find his name on the scoresheet as he has notched up 16 goals for the Merseyside club, including seven in the 2013/14 title charge season.
Trading Places
With Liverpool still undergoing a defensive problem, how should Klopp look to optimize the players available to him to fill in for the injured Skrtel?
Kolo Touré: The 35-year-old has made a valiant approach to the role of central defence but age has took it's toll on the Ivorian, with his contract expiring in the summer, Klopp may look to squeeze the final few games out of the former Manchester City and Arsenal veteran before his favoured defender returns, but he isn't a long-term solution.
Dejan Lovren: After recovering from a hamstring issue also, the Croatian has arguably been the best defender for the Reds this season, notching up the most clean sheets after already picking up a Standard Chartered Player of the Month award for December. With the player beginning to show his best form since his £20 million move from Southampton, he will be heavily relied upon in the next coming weeks.
Mamadou Sakho: The Frenchman has also had his share of time in the casualty room this season and has looked as if he was rushed back very early upon returning. A former product of the Paris Saint Germain youth system, he has been a fan favourite since his arrival on Merseyside but has often been found wanting this season.
Steven Caulker: Signed due to a defensive crisis that appears slowly to be easing, the 24-year-old looks set to complete the bare minimum amount of games while donning the red shirt this season. The former Cardiff City centre back has done fairly well given his few appearances but has often been used as a makeshift forward. Given his well documented heading strengths would it be wise to not give the journeyman an extended run in the side?
So, who should get the nod?
It is no doubt the absence of Skrtel caused issues for Klopp and only added to the recent injury crisis that occured at the club. With his return delayed for at least another two weeks, as the Reds enter a difficult spell of games, his absence will signal a troubling time at L4 especially with a Capital One Cup Final against Manchester City at Wembley looming. Lovren and Sakho are certainly the favourites to step into his shoes however, with Touré and Caulker capable back-ups.