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West Ham boss Slaven Bilic faces a defensive crisis ahead of clash with Liverpool
The Croatian does not have a single recognised right back available for weekend
Michail Antonio is also missing for the Hammers with a slight hamstring injury

Published: 12:37 EDT, 2 November 2017 | Updated: 17:03 EDT, 2 November 2017

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West Ham manager Slaven Bilic is facing a defensive crisis ahead of hosting Liverpool, one of the Premier League’s most potent attacking forces.

Only seven days ago the Croatian had virtually a full squad to chose from but his side have been hit with a spate of injuries at the worst possible time.

Jose Fonte has injured his foot and will be out short-term. Sam Byram will be missing for up to six weeks with a thigh problem. Michail Antonio could have provided cover at full-back but has a hamstring issue. James Collins is unavailable to play Liverpool with an on-going ankle injury while Pablo Zabaleta is suspended.

Slaven Bilic is facing a defensive crisis as West Ham prepare to host Liverpool this weekend

Andy Carroll donned a snood as he kept wrapped up during training on Friday morning

Marko Arnautovic was also felling the chill as he put on his leggings for the training session

Declan Rice is available for selection in defence, but their is a lack of personnel at right back

Bilic expects Winston Reid, struggling with a calf problem, and Aaron Cresswell, who suffered a dead leg in the 2-2 draw at Crystal Palace last weekend, to play some part against Jurgen Klopp’s side on Saturday but the scenario has severely limited his options at the back.

‘These injuries have happened so quick and fast,’ Bilic said. ‘It's part of football. One week ago we were talking about having a full squad and a headache about who to play. Now we have lost a few, especially defenders, and it doesn't look great in that area of the pitch.’

Bilic is aware that his future as West Ham’s manager is being monitored on a game-by-game basis after another poor start to the season.

Joe Hart was selected in Gareth Southgate's latest England squad on Friday afternoon

Aaron Cresswell went for gloves too on a chilly morning at West Ham's Rush Green facilities

Yet he will have to contend with a Liverpool side who have scored 36 goals in 17 games in all competitions this campaign with a makeshift backline.

‘We can still put a good team out,’ Bilic insisted.

‘They play offensive offensive football and it leaves them open at the back. But when you know when they are vulnerable at the back then it makes him defend more.’