Liverpool take on Ajax in the Champions League tonight knowing that they have to face the Dutch champions without a host of key stars. Virgil van Dijk is out for the season whilst it’s unclear when Thiago and Joel Matip will return for the Reds. Thankfully for Liverpool, Antony is not fit to play for Ajax in the Champions League tie.
Liverpool injuries
Liverpool enter the game with a number of key stars absent through injury.
Alisson Becker still hasn’t recovered from a shoulder injury which has seen him sidelined since before the international break.
Thiago is healing up after being wiped out by a thuggish Richarlison tackle late on in the Merseyside Derby.
Joel Matip’s muscles couldn’t cope with the full 90 minutes against Everton as he is still recovering from a lengthy spell out.
Of course, we are also without Virgil van Dijk for the tie as he will be out for the rest of the season with an ACL injury.
Antony not fit for Ajax
Ajax boss Erik ten Hag, speaking to Reuters, has confirmed that Antony is not fit for Ajax for the Champions League tie.
The Brazilian winger has been in fine form for the Dutch giants this season.
The 20-year-old has netted three goals in his first five games in the Eredivisie this season.
Fans of the Football Manager franchise will be more than familiar with the youngster’s potential to devastate defences.
What RTK has to say
This is certainly a huge boost for Liverpool. Antony has hit the ground running at Ajax after being brought in to replace the Chelsea bound Hakim Ziyech.
The Brazilian would have given Andy Robertson a tough time on the right wing, thankfully Robbo will be coming up against the youngster’s deputy.
However, the Reds still have more injury woes to contend with than the Dutch side.
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox
