Curtis Jones makes Champions League debut for Liverpool against Ajax | OneFootball

Jurgen Klopp has handed a first Champions League start to academy graduate Curtis Jones as Liverpool face Ajax in their opening Group D fixture.

The 19-year-old European debutant joins Georginio Wijnaldum and James Milner in an unfamiliar midfield necessitated by injuries and general fitness issues.

Virgil van Dijk's absence through the serious knee injury he sustained against Everton on Saturday has forced Fabinho to drop back into defence, while captain Jordan Henderson starts on the bench in Amsterdam.

With Joel Matip left out as a precaution, Joe Gomez gets a start in the heart of the back four that will look to protect second-choice goalkeeper Adrian in Alisson's continued absence.

Liverpool are at least at full strength in attack, with their familiar trio of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino lining up at the Johan Cruijff ArenA.