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In an injury update ahead of Monday’s Merseyside Derby against Everton, Jurgen Klopp stated that defender Virgil van Dijk is not “that close” to returning yet.
Injuries have plagued Liverpool this season, and manager Jurgen Klopp provided an update on the condition of his team before Monday’s crucial Merseyside Derby against Everton.
The Reds eagerly welcome their struggling opponents to Anfield in an effort to turn around their recent poor results.
Since the beginning of the year, they have lost to Brentford, Brighton, and Wolves, with a boring draw against Chelsea capping off a dismal run of results.
They have not won in the Premier League in 2023. The Merseyside team is now mired in tenth place in the Premier League and facing a real fight to at least secure a spot in Europe at the conclusion of the season.
This season, injuries have severely hindered Klopp’s team, with seven first-team stars currently out, some suffering from more serious, long-lasting injuries than others.
Klopp provided an update on the state of his team with mixed news ahead of Monday’s match. While Van Dijk is still out, he has claimed that Portuguese forward Diogo Jota is nearing a comeback.
The German remarked during a press conference that the players were back in training, but at various stages. The closest is Diogo Jota, who has three more days of training and is likely to make the squad.
“I don’t believe Virgil [van Dijk] is there yet. I’d say Arthur [Melo] is comparable to Bobby.” Thiago Alcantara, a Spanish midfielder, has been listed by Klopp as questionable for the match.
He disclosed that the former Bayern Munich player had been missing from practice for the duration of the week due to a hip issue.
Klopp continued, “Thiago has some hip flexor issues, which is pretty much it, so he wasn’t able to train.”
The German seemed reluctant to provide the most recent information, but there was good news on Colombian wide receiver Luis Diaz.
Due to a knee injury, the 26-year-old hasn’t played for Liverpool in the Premier League since October.
But in a Sky Sports appearance, he offered supporters a positive update. “Hello, Liverpool fans. I intend to return soon,” said the former Porto player.
“Luis is running now; it will take a few weeks still, but he is now out on the pitch as well, running.” Klopp said last week when asked about Diaz.
