London (AFP)

Strongly overhauled in attack, Liverpool ensured minimal success against the Danes of Midtjylland (2-0) on Tuesday for the second day of the Champions League, but still lost a defender to injury with the exit of Fabinho.

The 3 points of the evening, which bring the total of the Reds to 6, leading Group D ahead of Atalanta (4 points), held in check by Ajax (2-2) and which they will now face at twice, are the only good news of the evening for Jürgen Klopp.

The German coach had decided to start with an attacking sector made up of Diogo Jota, Divok Origi, Xherdan Shaqiri and Takumi Minammino, but the lack of rhythm and automatism of the quartet strongly handicapped the edge of the red attacks.

Liverpool did not manage a single shot on target in the first act for the first time in 51 appearances at Anfield.

It was not until the start of the second half and a nice one-two between Trent Alexander-Arnold and the Swiss attacking midfielder, followed by a low cross for Jota who only had to push the ball in. bottom, so that the Reds can make the difference (1-0, 55th).

Mohamed Salah, who entered on the hour mark, added a penalty in extra time (2-0, 90 + 3).

But that success is almost overshadowed by bad news about defense.

Klopp had chosen to keep a classic four-line, given Virgil van Dijk's injury, with a Fabinho-Joe Gomez hinge that needs playing time to settle.

Unfortunately for him, during a withdrawal phase, the Brazilian interrupted his race and asked for treatment, before having to be replaced by the young Rhys Williams (19), for what appears to be a muscle injury.

Fabinho came out walking and without seeming to be in great pain, but that adds to the Reds' shortage in this sector, to whom only Joe Gomez remains as an experienced player, even if Cameroonian Joel Matip seems set to return too. injury.

Enough to give many food for thought to Klopp, whose options are narrowing.

© 2020 AFP