The suspension of Liverpool skipper Virgil Van Dijk could be sustained for only one game as the defender received a straight red card against Newcastle on Sunday.
The Reds managed an unbelievable comeback against The Magpies last Sunday in their PL clash. Darwin Nunez stepped up to score the decisive two goals for the club after Klopp introduced him in the 77th minute.
But amid all the celebrations of the team, the manager has a serious worry regarding the defense for the next game.
The skipper Virgil Van Dijk received a straight red shortly after Anthony Gordon scored the opening goal of the game.
The Dutch defender took out Alexander Isak right at the brink of the box and denied a clear opportunity to score. This resulted in Newcastle getting a free-kick and the referee sending off Van Dijk.
The 32-year-old was furious with the decision and was even seen verbally abusing the referee.
Liverpool to miss Van Dijk due to suspension
While many pundits argued whether it should have been a red card or not, former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher defended the skipper saying,
“I still don’t think that is a red card. How do you know that is a goal scoring opportunity?
Initially he is lazy and should get over earlier and maybe should not make the challenge but that is not a red card.”
According to the Premier League’s Fantasy Football site, the Anfield giants are set to lose Van Dijk for just one single game.
The website shows a note in the Dutch international’s profile which says, ‘Suspended until 16 Sep’. That means he will be out for three straight weeks.
But the catch is that the international break will be from September 4 to 12 so he will miss only the game against Aston Villa. The Dutchman will be back in the game against Wolves on 16 September if there is no further punishment.
However, there still has not been an official statement confirming how long the 32-year-old will be suspended. Meanwhile, Klopp is looking short on defensive options.
Due to Ibrahima Konate’s injury, he had to start Joel Matip with Van Dijk. After the send-off, he eventually brought in Joe Gomez and Jarell Quansah.
Apart from that the Reds look pretty thin in the defensive department. Moreover, Konate will not be available for the Villa game as well as confirmed by the Liverpool boss.
As the transfer window comes to an end this week, the Merseysiders should go all in to sign a defender.
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