Michael Owen says Liverpool can still have a successful season, despite Virgil van Dijk's injury.
After his knee injury in the Merseyside derby against Everton, the inspirational defender looks set to miss the majority of the campaign - if not all of it - and is due to having to undergo surgery.
It has prompted many to speculate whether the Reds can keep up the sensational form of the last two seasons, which have seen them win both the Champions League and the Premier League.
Speaking on BT Sport, Rio Ferdinand said that Jurgen Klopp's side are still among the most feared teams in Europe but that Bayern Munich are probably favourites.
Owen disagreed, arguing that Liverpool should be the favourites for the competition, and that their team remains strong enough to challenge for titles despite V an Dijk's absence.
"I think they can," Owen said when asked if they can still have a successful campaign. "I think a lot of people - rightly so - are thinking, is this the season where it falls apart now?
"Because there’s no doubt about it, in my mind, that he’s the best centre-half in the world. You’re gonna miss that.
"His presence is calming, everything about him is top-class and it’s a huge blow.
"It’s not just for a couple of months, it’s looking like a season.
"However, once the dust settles, get tonight out of the way, all of a sudden, you start looking at them and thinking they’ve still got some amazing players."
He added: "I agree with Rio, I’d probably even put them a notch higher.
"I think Bayern Munich will look at Liverpool and think they’re the team to beat. I think they’ve been the best team in Europe for the last couple of seasons."
