Jurgen Klopp fears this season will be the toughest of his career as Liverpool navigate the unique challenges of defending the Premier League title in the novel coronavirus age.
Klopp's side have already seen Sadio Mane and Thiago Alcantara briefly sidelined by Covid-19 this season, while a host of injuries have also taken their toll.
The delayed start to this season, a result of the previous campaign's three-month hiatus because of the pandemic, means teams are being stretched to breaking point by the gruelling schedule.
Liverpool boss Klopp has lost Virgil van Dijk to a knee injury that will sideline him for most of the season, with Joel Matip, Naby Keita and Thiago Alcantara missing the midweek Uefa Champions League win over Ajax Amsterdam because of knocks.
Jordan Henderson was limited to just 45 minutes in that game on medical advice, while Klopp substituted Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Mane in the second half against Ajax in order to protect their fitness.
Concerned that his stars will be burned out by the intense fixture list, Klopp called for common sense from the schedule makers.
