Jurgen Klopp admits he has a defensive headache ahead of next Sunday's Premier League opener against West Ham at Anfield.

Joel Matip (hip) and Ragnar Klavan (hamstring) both missed Saturday's 5-0 rout of Napoli and remain doubts for Tuesday's final friendly against Torino.

With Dejan Lovren only reporting back to Melwood on Monday, Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez are the Reds' only fit and available senior centre-backs.

“From six to three,” Klopp said.

“Dejan didn’t train so far. He is back Monday so probably won’t play Tuesday and Sunday will be very difficult as well.

“Joel, we will have to see. Klavan, should not be too serious, but if Tuesday is too early I don't know yet.

“Maybe we will do some magic things with the formation on Tuesday. I don't know how we will do it.”

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Klopp insists he has yet to settle on a preferred starting line up to face the Hammers and says places will be up for grabs when Torino visit Anfield.

“We have another game on Tuesday and we need to make sure we use that game as well. Then we have another five days,” he added.

“Why should I make the line-up now? A lot of players look in the moment ready for the start.

“Now we have to make sure we find the 11 who are ready for the start and finish of the game. Obviously that is a different thing. We can’t change six players after 60 minutes.

“The first two (Premier League) games at least are in the 'pre-season' (for the World Cup players). It is like that a bit for the other teams but I'm not sure for West Ham and Crystal Palace.”

The demolition of Napoli was highly impressive but Klopp is keen to keep a lid on expectation levels. He believes the Premier League will be even more competitive this time around.

(Image: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

"First of all I really hope our fans are in it, understanding," he said. "We have shown a lot of good things in the last few years but it was never in one second easy and it will not be this season easy.

“If we win a game, we win a game and then we must win the next game as well, not be celebrating like it's the greatest thing.

"I really believe our fans are spot on and know what the situation is about. The people around that trying to create stories, I am not interested in that.

"We have high expectations of ourselves but our situation has not changed. Why should it? I do not see that United has got weaker or City weaker. Tottenham have not sold a player and have stayed together.

"I think Arsenal and Chelsea will be stronger than last year. Everton obviously are pushing from behind. Wolves are not shy to spend money.

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"The league will be difficult. It is not about judging our situation and thinking ‘wow, really good’. We need to be ready each week, not only for a few games. That is our challenge.

"When I speak about not having crazy expectations, if we keep the atmosphere within the club from last year we have a chance of a really big season and then we will see what happens.”