Roy Hodgson has to find a solution to Liverpool's growing problems in central midfield after Steven Gerrard was ruled out for a month.
The 30-year-old has been sidelined by a grade two hamstring tear sustained in England's midweek defeat to France, when he played 25 minutes longer than had previously been agreed.
With Lucas Leiva suspended for Saturday's visit of Premier League bottom side West Ham and summer signing Christian Poulsen struggling to settle in, Hodgson has some switching around to do.
One option would be to play Raul Meireles in his preferred central position - something the Reds boss has been reluctant to do as he allows the Portugal international time to adjust having joined in August.
But even if he can back up some encouraging performances wide on the right with similar displays through the middle it is going to be difficult to fill the hole left by Gerrard.
The squad is A huge problem for Liverpool. Thats why it might be catastrophal with a week start of the season- because they have a small squad and are very vulnerable with injuries.