Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has admitted that star defender Virgil Van Dijk is struggling to be fit for Saturday’s clash with Chelsea as he is still feeling the effects of a rib injury.
The £75m has been in excellent form for the Reds this season but he was forced off early in the second half of last weekend’s win over Southampton and he’s not been able to train since.
Speaking at his press conference ahead of the game, Klopp said:
He is a world-class player, and if you miss a world-class player it’s not cool but Dejan Lovren played his first game after 10 weeks. He played an outstanding game (against Chelsea). [Joel] Matip has been out injured for a long but played two games in a row, which is fantastic.
Klopp did not go as far as ruling Van Dijk out but his status is certainly in doubt. He said:
If Virgil is fit and can play, then he will play. If not, then obviously we have options and that’s really good. We could play football before Virgil van Dijk, and we can play without him, thank God, but I prefer that he is fit and available!
The game is a big test for the Reds who are looking to maintain their perfect start to their Premier League season.
Comments.
Loading comments…