Virgil van Dijk seems fit in time to be in the starting line-up next Tuesday when Liverpool take on Real Madrid in the Champions League. Manager Jürgen Klopp confirmed this at the press conference on Friday the Reds ahead of the Premier League game against Newcastle United. There are concerns at Real: the not entirely fit Karim Benzema and the sick Toni Kroos are missing against Osasuna on Saturday and seem to be doubtful for the squatter at Anfield.
Van Dijk injured his hamstring at the beginning of January in the 3-1 lost league game at Brentford. Last Monday, against Everton (2-0 win), he was back in the selection of the current number nine in the Premier League for the first time, but he remained on the bench for the entire game. On Friday, Klopp was asked at a press conference whether Van Dijk can start against Newcastle on Saturday. “I think so,” the German coach responded. “Yesterday (Thursday, ed.) He seemed absolutely ready. I think that will also be the case today.” It seems obvious that Van Dijk can also play against Real from the kick-off with a starting place against Newcastle.
.@VirgilvDijk could return to Liverpool’s starting line-up on Saturday for the encounter at Newcastle United, Jürgen Klopp confirmed:
—Liverpool FC (@LFC) February 17, 2023
On the side of Real, Benzema is not yet a foregone conclusion. The French striker had to be replaced after 78 minutes against Elche (4-0 win) last Wednesday due to a minor injury and will not be part of the Madrid match selection on Saturday. “Karim is a bit tired,” Ancelotti said at Friday’s press conference. “The fact that he will not be there tomorrow (Saturday, ed.) does not mean that he is injured. It means we prefer to give him some rest.”
Kroos is also a doubt for the match against Liverpool. He was already missing against Elche and will not be in the match selection against Osasuna either. “Toni has had the flu,” Ancelotti said of the German midfielder. “He has not yet returned to training and will not play tomorrow.” However, there was also good news for Real: Thibaut Courtois and Eden Hazard will return to the squad after injuries on Saturday. the Royal.
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