Jurgen Klopp is ready to field Virgil van Dijk from the start when Liverpool travel to Newcastle on Saturday afternoon.

A delighted Jurgen Klopp expects to welcome back Van Dijk into his starting line up

The Dutchman was an unused substitute in Monday’s 2-0 Merseyside derby victory after missing six games with a hamstring injury.

Joel Matip is most likely the player to drop out to accommodate Van Dijk’s return and Klopp admits the 31-year-old is ready to take on the Magpies.

“I think so, yeah,” said Klopp when quizzed on Van Dijk’s readiness to start at St James’ Park.

“Yesterday he looked absolutely ready. I think today he will look the same and we will make a decision.”

The Liverpool boss also provided updates on the club’s other absentees and confirmed that the squad travelling to the north east will be the same as the one that faced Everton.

“Ibou [Konate] not yet, Luis [Diaz] not yet, but that’s it pretty much, that’s the only news,” Klopp said.

“Nothing happened on the injury side. Thiago not available, Calvin [Ramsay] had surgery and not available. But that’s it.”

Carvalho’s goal handed Newcastle their only Premier League defeat of the season last August

Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino will remain part of the squad and are nearing full fitness having both played a part in Monday’s derby victory.

The Reds face a stern challenge from Newcastle who will be hoping to avenge August’s last gasp defeat at Anfield.

Fabio Carvalho netted in the eighth minute of injury time to hand Newcastle their only defeat this season.

But Klopp’s side find themselves a whopping nine points behind the Magpies and must inflict a league double on them to have any hope of contesting for Champions League qualification.

✅ Virgil van Dijk

Jürgen Klopp ‘thinks’ Virgil van Dijk is fit and ready to start for Liverpool. 🇳🇱 pic.twitter.com/R0txe3PkFZ

— Football Daily (@footballdaily) February 17, 2023

source: talksport.com