ONANA’S OH- NO- NO
That is because Liverpool’s place is secured in the Champions League knockout stages with a game to spare.
Curtis Jones’ second- half winner – thanks to a howler from Ajax keeper Andre Onana – got the Reds three points last night when all they needed was one.
There will not be any need for the walking wounded in Red to be risked for next Wednesday’s trip to Denmark for the Group D finale against FC Midtjylland.
And the bonus for them was Atalanta’s surprise draw with the Danish side meaning Liverpool are also going through as group winners.
It’s a timely reprieve for a squad stricken by so many injuries in recent weeks.
Liverpool boss Klopp has had the hump with fixture schedules and the lack of five substitutes in the Premier League. It has not been helped by seeing first- team stars fall in numbers by the week.
A shock defeat last week at home by Atalanta in this competition meant this was not a chance to rest too much, either, even if some changes were enforced.
Another injury to add to the constantly growing list for the Reds.
It meant the Kop boss turned to Irish rookie Caoimhin Kelleher to step in ahead of usual stand- in stopper Adrian. Kelleher had a quiet start on his first appearance in
the Champions League – th that t was until til a brilliant point- blank save from Klaas- Jan Huntelaar with minutes to play.
Jones had a shot saved which was relatively meek. Then the midfielder cracked the post with a much better attempt.
The game settled with little happening. The lack of intensity probably suited a jaded Liverpool.
Former Everton man Davy Klaassen was arguably having his best game on Merseyside in the heart of the Ajax midfield. He was causing the Reds problems going forward when he coasted into the box late.
Liverpool only needed a point to secure their place in the knockout stages here but they needed Kelleher to make a good stop to keep it level. Noussair Mazraoui tried his luck from distance but t th the I Irish i h k keeper pushed it away.
There was some concern at one point for Andy Robertson, who needed treatment on an ankle issue it seemed but the Scot battled on.
Klopp did not need another knock with the Reds already down to the bare bones.
But his problems were almost added to after the break.
Klaassen should have put Ajax in front but he headed wide at the near post from a good David Neres cross.
Kelleher was then forced into another good save from Mazraoui before Neres struck the frame of the goal with the rebound.
Ajax were desperate to make their possession count and go top of Group D with a game to go. But their i chances all ll but b ended when Jones turned home at the far post after a howler from Ajax keeper Andre Onana.
Neco Williams swung in a dangerous cross which Onana let go over his head thinking it was sailing out of play.
But Jones pounced to turn home and Liverpool were heading for the knockout stages. Ajax will need to avoid defeat against Atalanta next week to follow them.
Kelleher 7; N Williams 7, Matip 6, Fabinho 6, Robertson 7; HENDERSON 8, Wijnaldum 7, Jones 8; Jota 7 ( Firmino 68, 6), Salah 6, Mane 7.
Onana 5; Mazraoui 7, Schuurs 6, Blind 6, Tagliafico 6; Alvarez 6 ( Labyad 69, 6), Klaassen 8, Gravenberch 7; Antony 6, Tadic 6, Neres 7 ( Traore 81).
Tobias Stieler ( Germany) 6.
RED ROAR: Neco Williams ( left) congratulates scorer Curtis Jones