Liverpool central defensive duo Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez are both in contention to start against Norwich City on Saturday.
Both stars have been reintegrated back into the fold following serious knee injuries that kept them out for a majority of the 2020/21 campaign.
Having initially played down hopes of either being fit and available for selection on day one of the Premier League, Jurgen Klopp has today confirmed that both are candidates to be involved from the start this weekend.
Twitter: Jürgen Klopp has provided an update on the availability of @VirgilvDijk and @J_Gomez97 ahead of Saturday
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Klopp stated that whilst there is ‘nothing to rush’ with either man, there is a possibility one, or both, could feature in the starting lineup at Carrow Road following successful returns to pre-season action.
Unsurprisingly Liverpool struggled to cope without their first-choice centre-back partnership last term, magnified by the loss of Joel Matip in January.
All three have since returned back to full fitness and the addition of Ibrahima Konate, coupled with the emergence of Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams means there is strong competition for places in the department.
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Whilst delighted with the news, most Kopites would be more than willing to see both men play bit-part roles for a few more weeks yet.
Albeit previously heavily reliant on Van Dijk in particular, Konate and Matip are both of a level whereby the Dutchman can be utilised more sparingly.
A long season awaits and Liverpool will have aspirations in the league, Europe and cup competitions – winning the lot will require players fit and firing between now and May.
