Liverpool’s defensive injury concerns deepen ahead of Ajax game

Liverpool are extremely light on central defensive options

Jurgen Klopp faces a potential selection dilemma ahead of his Liverpool side's return to Champions League action this week, with Joel Matip missing Tuesday's training session. Matip required a precautionary scan after a muscle injury picked up in Saturday's Merseyside Derby against Everton. The defender had started the game at Goodison Park alongside Virgil van Dijk, who has since been ruled out with a long-term anterior cruciate ligament injury after being clattered into by Jordan Pickford in the early stages of the game. Van Dijk's absence leaves Liverpool short of options in central defence, and so Klopp will understandably be concerned about Matip. While Joe Gomez is fit and expected to start the game in Amsterdam, Fabinho is reportedly a candidate to fill in at the back instead of being deployed in his usual role in midfield. Thiago Alcantara, who was on the receiving end from a red-card challenge from Richarlison on Saturday, was also absent from Tuesday's training session. He, along with Matip, is a doubt for Wednesday's game and their return to Premier League action against Sheffiled United at the weekend. Liverpool's last appearance in the Champions League saw them knocked out of the competition in the last 16 stage by Atletico Madrid.