EFL Cup: Klopp Hopeful Over Liverpool’s Star Fitness Ahead Of Crunch Fulham Clash
Written By Albert Echatah
Virgil van Dijk’s return from sickness is very likely for Wednesday’s EFL Cup semi-final first leg clash against Fulham, according to Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp.
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At the Emirates, Liverpool defeated Arsenal 2-0 to go to the FA Cup fourth round. Luis Diaz’s injury-time goal and an own goal by Jakub Kiwior did the damage. The Reds captain was nowhere to be seen during the game.
Joel Matip’s ACL tear has already forced Liverpool to play without him for the rest of the season, forcing Joe Gomez to fill in for Andrew Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas on the left side of defense.
Consequently, Liverpool’s only central defenders against Arsenal were Jarell Quansah and Ibrahima Konate. However, the Gunners’ wastefulness played a major role in the pair’s well-earned clean sheet as they returned home.
Both Quansah and Konate experienced discomfort throughout the match, but they managed to play the entire ninety minutes. Should Van Dijk’s virus not go away by midweek, they might be needed in the center of defense.
Speaking to the media following the match, Klopp did, however, convey his optimism that Van Dijk would be cleared to face the Cottagers, who will make their first leg visit to Anfield on January 10.
“[He is] ill. I’m hopeful [he will return on Wednesday] but I don’t know. He came and it is difficult for Virg to look [rubbish] but he did, so we sent him home again,” Klopp said.
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Meanwhile…
Erik ten Hag is anxious to prevent Jadon Sancho from making a “empty gesture,” therefore Manchester United is apparently willing to accept a “significant loss” on him.
Sancho has a disruptive impact on the rest of United’s team, according to manager Ten Hag, who is determined to get rid of the winger.
This season, Sancho and Ten Hag had a nasty falling out, with the Dutchman publicly criticizing his player in the media for his lack of effort in practice. After spending £73 million on him in 2021, United is now willing to suffer a “significant loss” on the player in the January transfer window.
(sportsmole)
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