Report: Liverpool duo Matip and Thiago out of Ajax clash, Fabinho to start in defence

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Liverpool will take on Ajax tomorrow without Joel Matip and Thiago Alcantara, with the pair reportedly not fit to participate in the club’s first Champions League group stage match.

Thiago won’t be too much of a surprise to many given the ferocity of Richarlison’s challenge on him at the weekend.

But the news from the Liverpool Echo about Matip might have surprised a few.

The Cameroonian played a full 90 minutes against the Toffees, but did not come through unscathed.

He went for a scan on his leg after the game, and although no lasting damage was revealed, he is a major doubt to face Ajax.

Neither player trained on Tuesday morning.

The Liverpool Echo add that Fabinho is poised to partner Joe Gomez in defence as a result of Matip’s condition, with youngsters Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams on stand-by.

TBR’s View – Hammer blow for Liverpool

The development regarding Matip is a real blow for Liverpool that comes hot on the heels of the Virgil van Dijk bombshell.

The ex-Schalke man has been tipped to step up in the Dutchman’s absence, but it seems Jurgen Klopp won’t be able to count on him on Wednesday.

Fabinho has proven himself capable of playing centre-half, but with Thiago also out Ajax will be much more confident of a positive result.