James Pearce gives Liverpool fans double injury boost news ahead of the Merseyside derby
Liverpool are having a disastrous season so far with a number of injury issues plaguing the squad and now a new update has emerged that could be a huge boost for Jurgen Klopp.
According to The Athletic journalist James Pearce, both Virgil Van Dijk and Diogo Joto will return to team training at Kirkby this week ahead of the Merseyside derby and upcoming two-leg Champions League clash with Real Madrid.
Liverpool injury issues
As per the report, Pearce claimed that the return from long-term injury issues for both players will be a much-needed lift in the squad after suffering a real struggle to get back on track.
Klopp before the Wolves match said
“ Virgil is getting closer, but not ready for the [Wolves] game obviously. Parts of training, I think, next week as well for Virgil.”
The Holland international was quite active on social media throughout his recovery. He kept updating his progress for the Reds fans.
The defender was described as ‘getting closer’ late last week. Thus via Instagram on Wednesday afternoon, Van Dijk posted a picture of himself, which included stats from a fitness season.
The Dutch international has been instrumental since he joined the English giants. He has been nominated for the Ballon d’Or and FIFA Men’s awards back in 2019. The 31-year-old is the only defender to win the UEFA Men’s Player of the Year Award.
The return of the Portuguese international will also be crucial in the frontline. Jota played 4 matches in the Champions League where he provided 4 assists. The 26-year-old was instrumental for the Reds side in the Premier League as well.
The Portuguese striker played 4 matches in the PL where he gave 1 assist also carrying an expected xG of 0.8.
The Reds are currently out of FA Cup and League Cup and are going to face last year’s UCL champions Real Madrid after the Merseyside derby clash. Klopp will hope to get the best versions of Van Dijk and Jota to return to the team.
