Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp confirmed in his pre-match press conference ahead of the visit to Newcastle United that Virgil van Dijk is fit to start against the Magpies. (Image courtesy of the Liverpool Echo)
The Dutch defender suffered an injury against Brentford in early January, keeping him out of action for an extended period of time.
The former Southampton man was replaced during that game due to a minor knock, but the club has since confirmed that it was not a serious injury and that he is fit to play in the upcoming match.
Even though he has not been in the best of forms, having a presence like him in the backline is of major importance as the leading factor he brings to the team in the absence of Jordan Henderson is unparalleled.
Liverpool fans will certainly be eager to see Van Dijk back in action and will be hoping that this break in the action for Virgil would have helped him focus on the basics. Even though he is one of the best in the business, this season, as earlier mentioned, VVD has looked like a shadow of himself.
Big Virg is back for the Reds
The 31-year-old is one of the best center-backs in the world. His presence on the team has been sorely missed. Van Dijk’s return will certainly be a major boost for Liverpool, who have been without their defensive stalwart for a significant amount of time.
Furthermore, Liverpool has had a slow start to their Premier League campaign, and they will need van Dijk to fire on all cylinders if they are to finish in the top four. Hopefully, his time away from the pitch has prompted a few changes in his approach, and the Reds will be back to their best when they face Newcastle.
As the season progresses, the club will rely on their talismanic defender to be at his best if they are to finish in the top four and potentially qualify for UCL football next season, which is important in terms of signing new players in the summer.
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