Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has issued an update on key centre-back Virgil van Dijk ahead of the clash against Arsenal on Sunday afternoon. The Reds were without the Dutchman as they drew 0-0 against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in a game that lacked any real quality.
Klopp's side ended their losing streak with a draw against the Blues after making a number of changes from their 4-1 defeat against the Gunners' title rivals, Manchester City. Liverpool's run of tough fixtures does not get any easier as they welcome the Premier League leaders to Anfield in a huge clash on Sunday.
Mikel Arteta's side have picked up back-to-back 4-1 wins either side of the international break and are in stellar form heading into their final nine games of the season. Arsenal are chasing their first title in 19 years and can take a huge step towards making history with a win against Liverpool on Sunday, a team they haven't beaten away from home since 2012.
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According to The Athletic, Van Dijk missed the trip to Stamford Bridge due to illness after he didn’t train in the build-up to the fixture, and was subsequently ruled out of contention. The 31-year-old defender looks set to return to action for the Reds this weekend, however, in time to face the Gunners at Anfield.
Speaking after the 0-0 draw against Chelsea, Klopp provided an update on Van Dijk's availability and admitted he should be available to face Arsenal. The Liverpool boss told Sky Sports: "I think he will be ready for the weekend, yes."
This will give the Reds a huge boost in having their star centre-back available for the game, whilst Arsenal are still missing William Saliba after the Frenchman suffered a back injury last month. The 21-year-old has proven to be a crucial player for Arteta this season but it is likely that Rob Holding will continue to line-up alongside Gabriel Magalhaes in defence.
Liverpool could welcome Luis Diaz back to action this weekend after the Colombian winger returned to training last week. Diaz has not featured in the squad against City or Chelsea as he builds up his fitness ahead of a return to the pitch.
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