Liverpool: Klopp offers crucial update on Van Dijk injury

The Reds have struggled defensively in the absence of the Dutch centre-back in recent weeks.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has provided a positive injury update on Virgil van Dijk ahead of the team’s trip to Newcastle on Saturday.

Van Dijk was an unused substitute in the Reds’ 2-0 Merseyside derby win over Everton last weekend. But Klopp has revealed that he appears ready to start games after impressing in training.

The Dutchman limped off in the 3-1 defeat to Brentford on January 2 after picking up a hamstring injury, and has been out of action since.

“Yesterday he looked absolutely ready. I think today he will look the same and we will make a decision,” Klopp told reporters of Van Dijk’s return.

Van Dijk’s absence has coincided with an injury blow to Ibrahima Konate, leaving below-par Joel Matip and Joe Gomez in charge of Liverpool’s defence. Klopp has had to contend with injury problems further up the field, with key forwards also sidelined. But the gloom appears to be lifting with the return of Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino against Everton.

“Bobby, in the end it was eight weeks (out) as well so that’s long time,” Klopp said. “Diogo was longer out. So we have to look how we can use them. It was important they get time, but you could see they need time. That’s why we tried to get them on as early as possible and allowed them some minutes.”

Liverpool will be eager to claw their way back into the race for Champions League qualification against Newcastle. Klopp has expressed his confidence in his squad’s ability to rise to the challenge.

“I think we have a squad which is really together, and we will fight through it, no doubt about that,” Klopp said. “We will not give up. We will fight, and we will try everything to get as many points as possible.”

Liverpool’s clash with Newcastle promises to be an exciting match, with both teams vying for valuable points in the race for European football.