Liverpool will field a weakened side in the Champions League this evening as Jurgen Klopp reels from the violent nature of the Merseyside Derby.
Jordan Pickford’s reckless challenge on Virgil van Dijk caused damage to the Dutchman’s ACL and with the 2019 Balon d’Or runner-up set for surgery, his season is over as soon as it began.
The impact that his absence will have on Liverpool’s season is yet to be seen but with Joe Gomez and Joel Matip the club’s only senior centre-halves, supporters are very worried.
How do Liverpool FC recover from losing their most important player? ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BY SPORTS ILLUSTRATED.
Matip is also set to miss Liverpool’s trip to Amsterdam after picking up a knock during the derby while Thiago is another casualty of Michael Oliver’s inability to control the tensions of a fiercely fought encounter.
Richarlison’s shocking challenge on the Reds’ no.6 somehow didn’t cause damage to his MCL but due to the swelling, Thiago will be unavailable this evening meaning Jurgen Klopp will really need to test his squad’s depth.
The situation is further compounded by the fact that Jordan Henderson isn’t fully fit yet and will start Liverpool’s Champions League opener from the bench which will see James Milner and Curtis Jones start in midfield while Fabinho while start at centre back alongside Joe Gomez.
A third-string Liverpool team bested Everton in the FA Cup, giving the red half of Merseyside something else to hold over their neighbours. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BY GOAL.
Adrian will start in goal due to Alisson’s injury and the Spaniard really needs to step up after yet another unconvincing performance in net at Goodison Park.
Liverpool starting XI: Adrian, Robertson, Gomez, Fabinho, Trent, Gini, Milner, Jones, Mane, Firmino, Salah.
Subs: Kelleher, Jota, Origi, Jaros, Minamino, Shaqiri, Henderson, Rhys Williams, Neco Williams, Cain.
