Liverpool’s new right-back Philipp Degen seems set to miss the start of the season with a groin injury sustained in training. The injury could well require surgery which would prolong the absence.

Degan has a history of groin problems having missed much of last season with such an injury.

With Degan sidelined, Rafa would only have Arbeloa to fill the right-back position and may therefore have to reconsider letting Finnan leave the club. The Irishman has been linked to a move to Villa as a makeweight in the Gareth Barry deal.

As always, the Liverpool defence is a bit of a lottery for fantasy managers. Rafa is currently offering few clues as to his first choice lineup, while the threat of rotation is always hanging over his defensive lineup. Carragher and possibly Agger look the best options but if Degan is sidelined for a period of weeks, Arbeloa would seem assured of a run of starts.