Jurgen Klopp’s injured Liverpool side trained on Tuesday ahead of their Champions League clash with Ajax as they prepare to be without Virgil van Dijk, Thiago Alcantara, Joel Matip and Alisson
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Liverpool start Champions League campaign against Ajax in Amsterdam with more than their fair share of injury problems
The Reds are without Virgil van Dijk after his serious knee injury while Joel Matip will also be out
In addition to his center-back crisis, midfielder Thiago Alcantara and goalkeeper Alisson are both left out, leaving some youngsters involved in pre-match training in hopes of having a chance
After being knocked out of the competition by Atletico Madrid just before lockdown last season, the Reds have high hopes of a new challenge for another European triumph
But they will face a tough test against a rejuvenated Ajax side that themselves have a lot of history in the competition
Here are five key talking points from Liverpool’s last training session at Melwood before flying to Amsterdam ahead of the game
But his defensive skills meant Klopp was happy for him to be an emergency cover as he chose not to sign a replacement for Dejan Lovren
Just a few weeks after the start of the season, this emergency has already arrived and Fabinho is ready and waiting
He will line up at center-back and may well be ready for a longer period in the role if he impresses given Van Dijk faces months on the sidelines
Gomez had a tough start to the season and was replaced by Joel Matip for the Merseyside derby
But Gomez is now Liverpool’s only senior center-back for Ajax trip
Klopp will look for him to take the lead in the bottom four in Van Dijk’s absence – is he up to the task?
Roberto Firmino has struggled for goals in recent months – and he has now been accused of placing a « huge burden » on his teammates
Former striker Tony Cascarino told The Times: « It’s only one goal in 20 Premier League games for Roberto Firmino as the Liverpool forward continues to struggle in front of goal
« There was nothing particularly wrong with his full game against Everton – he tied the game well and was involved in the movement for Liverpool’s opener – but his lack of productivity in front of goal places a heavy burden on Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane
« If this drought continues, Firmino cannot afford the creative side of his sliding game »
Liverpool can’t wait to repeat last season’s success – and you sure don’t want to miss a thing?
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Liverpool started their title defense precariously as they beat a seven-goal thriller against Leeds
In terms of transfers, the Reds have completed the signing of Thiago Alcantara and Wolves’ Diogo Jota has also arrived, in a shock deal worth a potential £ 45million
Youngster Ki-Jana Hoever set to head to Wolves on £ 10million deal, while Gini Wijnaldum continues to be linked with Barcelona There is plenty to watch
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« I don’t know when this becomes a problem for me but it’s not even close to becoming a problem, « said the German
« I can’t judge moments, periods, as you judge them – for me what is important is the influence of the player, the way he works for the team »
Still, there is no doubt that Firmino will be keen to come back among the goals and prove a point to his detractors
As a result, young defender Nathaniel Phillips is on the cusp of the biggest game of his career so far
Phillips returned from loan with Stuttgart last year to be part of Klopp’s first team
He has been involved in training and is most likely to start on the bench against Ajax
With Fabinho set to team Gomez in defense, Phillips will be next in line to enter the final four
Young midfielder Jake Cain was pictured heading to the pitch for first team training ahead of the game
The 19-year-old, who has been with the club for a decade, likely won’t play in such a huge game at this point in his career
But there’s a chance he could be on the bench or be part of the matchday squad, and helping to prepare for a big Champions League night can only be a positive experience. for a teenager who wants to be part of the Klopp team
Who will win the Champions League? Give your opinion in the comments below
Liverpool FC, AFC Ajax, UEFA Champions League, Virgil van Dijk, Jürgen Klopp, Everton FC, Thiago Alcântara
World news – UA – 5 talking points about training Liverpool before the Ajax Champions League game
SOURCE: https://www.w24news.com
