---
title: "Virals: Jurgen Klopp confirms Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez could start"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/news/virals-jurgen-klopp-confirms-virgil-van-dijk-and-joe-gomez-could-start/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Dan Clubbe"
section: "Liverpool News"
published: "2021-08-12T17:00:00Z"
modified: "2021-08-12T17:00:00Z"
---

# Virals: Jurgen Klopp confirms Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez could start

[Liverpool](https://readliverpoolfc.com/2021/08/12/otd-liverpool-goal-machine-mohamed-salah-opens-reds-account/) central defensive duo [Virgil van Dijk](https://readliverpoolfc.com/2021/07/30/virals-virgil-van-dijk-thanks-support-following-pre-season-comeback/) 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](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/liverpool-van-dijk-gomez-injuries-24038284) 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](https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/440572-jurgen-klopp-on-virgil-van-dijk-joe-gomez-and-norwich-selection-plans) 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 ![👇](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/13.1.0/svg/1f447.svg) (@LFC)

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](https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11669/12360120/liverpool-open-pre-season-with-draws-against-fc-wacker-innsbruck-and-vfb-stuttgart) 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](https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/liverpool/joel-matip-injury-update-klopp-b1796072.html) 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](https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/434196-nat-phillips-and-rhys-williams-have-created-proper-careers-now) means there is strong competition for places in the department.

### READ LIVERPOOL VERDICT

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](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/oct/18/liverpools-loss-of-van-dijk-exacerbates-every-doubt-after-chaotic-start) 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](https://www.liverpoolfc.com/match/2021-22/men/fixtures-and-results) 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.