Newcastle United fullback Daryl Janmaat is prepared to fill in at centre-half.
The Dutchman seems certain to be asked to partner Mike Williamson, the only specialist available for the Premier League visit of Arsenal.
"I will play in the middle of the defence if I am asked to do so, although it is not really my position," he told the Evening Chronicle.
"It is not really as though I have ambitions to stay there, but we all know what the situation is at the moment and if I have to play there, I will. If the team needs me there, I am confident I can do well there, even though I have not played as a central defender in the whole of my career.
"The second half at Everton was the first time I have played there so it is not something I know all that well."