Aside from the obvious issue in the centre of defence, Steven Gerrard will have a decision to make in his team selection for the visit of Lyon on Thursday night.
With Ianis Hagi unavailable it may be that a more attacking line-up is forced upon him, however, there is another option that he has used before in European football.
A midfield there of Glen Kamara, Steven Davis and Ryan Jack is usually his go to trio in big games but the latter continues to be unavailable, Joe Aribo currently the man deputising in his absence although the Nigerian international could be utilised in a front three to allow John Lundstram back into the starting XI.
The summer signing has looked more assured in recent appearances, his physicality and ability to drive forward with the ball could be useful against top quality opposition as would Aribo’s uncanny knack of keeping possession regardless of how much pressure he is under.
Kemar Roofe and Alfredo Morelos are our first choice strike pairing, however, if there is even the slightest potential that there will be space in behind the French side’s defence, Fashion Sakala should be considered from the start, who now appears to be close to full fitness, making good use of his extra pace.
At least we have options now, the early qualifiers against Malmo felt as though it was down to who was left rather than being able to pick the best players for the job – Lyon isn’t a must win fixture but a positive result would certainly set us up well for the games to come and lay down a marker for the rest of the group, there could be one or two surprises when the sides take to the field depending on how brave the gaffer is feeling.