There are tensions around the Melwood training ground as it remains uncertain if ‘world-class’ defender Virgil Van Dijk will be available for selection ahead of the club’s trip to West London on Saturday.
The world’s most expensive defender was stretched out of action last weekend after injuring his ribs against his former club Southampton.
Though the Reds were able to get past the Saints, the victory was marred by Van Dijk’s injury.
Having being checked by the Reds medical team, it was believed that the Dutchman would be back before Wednesday’s EFL cup defeat to Chelsea.
Despite the medical team’s predictions, the defender wasn’t fit for the EFL cup clash with the Stamford Bridge outfits.
Speaking ahead of his revenge-seeking encounter with Chelsea this weekend, Klopp revealed that the player’s availability on Saturday remains uncertain.
Though the German claimed he’s returned to training, he said nothing can be confirmed yet as regard to Van Dijk’s chance of featuring against Maurizio Sarri’s side.
However, Klopp is upbeat there are capable replacements for the Dutchman, should he fail a last-minute fitness test on Saturday.
According to him, Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip are back from their long-term injury, while young England international Joe Gomez has been awesome since the start of this campaign.
He believes the two players are strong enough to prevent Chelsea attackers from getting past them at the back of the pitch.
“With Virgil we have to wait, He has trained so far with the team but I can’t say any more about that.”
“but if not then obviously we have options and that’s really good. His impact is always obvious, but we could play football before Virgil van Dijk and we can play without Virgil, thank God.” Klopp said during his pre-match conference.
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