Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that the Dutch defender, Virgil Van Dijk would be available for the clash against the league leaders, Arsenal on Sunday while hinting that Thiago is likely to join him.
The Liverpool number 4 was unavailable on their trip to Stamford Bridge due to illness. Whereas, Thiago has been out since early February after suffering from a hip injury.
Evidently, injuries have been one of the main reasons for Liverpool’s poor form this season. Luis Diaz, who got injured in the return fixture against Arsenal at the Emirates, has also been a long-term absentee.
While speaking in his press conference, Klopp said that the Columbian would not be available for the Arsenal clash.
“The plan with Luis is that he will be available 100% for Leeds.
It looks good, everything is fine but it was a long, long injury so we have to be careful. We will probably not involve him for Sunday.”
‘Van Dijk back in training, Thiago trained as normal’ – Klopp ahead of Arsenal clash
As per 90min, Van Dijk is set to return to action on Sunday and Thiago is likely to join him.
“Virgil was completely normal back in training. Luis and Thiago trained as normal. Thiago looks slightly different [to Diaz]. He is not out that long.
Trained now three times, three or four times with the team. He might be available but we have to check how he feels [on Friday].
Liverpool currently sits in 8th place and are 10 points adrift of a top-four spot. While there is a scare that Klopp’s men would finish outside the top 4, it would impact their pursuit of signing their top midfield target, Bellingham for the next season.
With Brentford joined on points with the Reds, a defeat to Arsenal would give Thomas Frank a chance to push Liverpool further down.
With Van Dijk back in the side, the Reds need to win their game against the Gunners and carry the momentum for the final games to ensure a spot in the UCL for the next season.
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