Liverpool given Van Dijk boost

Categories: Bookmakers | Published by: AC

28/10/2018

Dutch centre-back Virgil van Dijk is likely to feature for Liverpool this weekend according to Ronald Koeman. Van Dijk was a doubt for the Reds upcoming Premier League clash with Huddersfield after it was announced that he would not feature in the Netherlands international friendly against Belgium. It has since been revealed that his ongoing rib injury is not as severe as previously thought.

Virgil van Dijk has emerged as one of the Premier League's top centre-backs over the last 12 months. Since joining Liverpool from Southampton for a huge £75 million transfer last January, the Dutchman appears to have resolved many of the club's defensive issues, as well as providing a genuine threat from corners and set-pieces.

Praised as one of the main reasons for Liverpool's successful Champions League campaign last season, Van Dijk has played a key role during the Reds' Premier League title charge this season. The centre-back's current purple patch has also bled over to the international stage, with Van Dijk scoring in the Netherlands' recent 3-0 victory over Germany.

Earlier this week however, it was announced that Van Dijk would be rested for the Netherlands' upcoming fixture with Belgium, giving Liverpool fans cause for concern. The reason behind Ronald Koeman's decision to rest Van Dijk stems from a rib injury that the 27-year-old picked up against Southampton last month.

“He's back in Liverpool but he is ready to play for next week,” said Koeman on Tuesday. “He's taken a rest.He spoke to the manager.

“The medical staff of the Dutch national team spoke to the medical staff of Liverpool and made the decision that he was playing only the Germany game and then after back to Liverpool.”

“He insisted on being present against Germany. That's great, because you want internationals who want to be here at the expense of everything.” Koeman added. “The club would have preferred him there. But he said that he wanted to play against Germany. If you get something, you also have to give something back (to the club).

Liverpool are set to take on Huddersfield at 17:30 on Saturday, October 20.

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