Virgil van Dijk was absent as Liverpool overcame Monterrey 2-1 in the Club World Cup semi-final in Doha.
The centre-back was expected to be involved in the encounter but was forced to sit out, with Jordan Henderson deputising in defence.
As quoted on Talksport, Klopp said after the victory:
It was an easy decision actually because he couldn’t train. Yes, he was yesterday on the [training] pitch for a couple of minutes until the media left and then, unfortunately, he had to leave as well.
Not because of the media, just because he didn’t feel well. So yesterday [Tuesday] no training was possible, this morning [Wednesday] no training possible, so it was an easy decision – he couldn’t play.
It was difficult for Hendo to deal with, but he did really good. We will see, I don’t know how quick he can recover. We will see.
Cause for concern for the Reds?
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Definitely but let’s be positive and hope that there is nothing to worry about.
Klopp knows that his side has a punishing fixture schedule coming up and keeping Van Dijk rested and ready is crucial.
If it is a serious problem, then Klopp’s defensive crisis will be incredible as Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip are already sidelined.
