Will Virgil van Dijk begin for Liverpool in opposition to Newcastle? Jurgen Klopp offers enormous replace

Liverpool face Newcastle United on Saturday (February 17), and supervisor Jurgen Klopp has revealed that Virgil van Dijk is match to start out. The Dutch defender has been out of motion since early January with a hamstring harm.

Van Dijk was on the bench for the Reds’ 2-0 Merseyside derby win over Everton on Monday (February 13). Klopp instructed reporters forward of the conflict with the Magpies (through Liverpool Echo):

“Yesterday (in coaching), he (Van Dijk) seemed completely prepared.”

The Merseysiders are in stark want of a constructive end result in opposition to Newcastle, as their hopes of a top-four end are in jeopardy. They path the fourth-placed Magpies by 9 factors in ninth place.

Van Dijk’s return is a great addition for Liverpool, because the Dutchman has been one of many Premier League’s prime defenders through the years. He has featured 24 occasions throughout competitions this season, offering two assists and serving to the Reds maintain eight clear sheets. In his absence, Klopp’s aspect have suffered two defeats and one draw within the league. Additionally they exited the FA Cup in opposition to Brighton & Hove Albion.

The Reds will must be on the prime of their recreation defensively to take care of the high-flying Newcastle aspect. Eddie Howe’s males are in pole place to safe UEFA Champions League qualification. The Tyneside giants have misplaced simply as soon as within the league this season.

Cody Gakpo reacts to scoring first Liverpool purpose by revealing dialog with Van Dijk

Liverpool bounced again from a disappointing 3-0 loss to Wolverhampton Wanderers on February 4 with a convincing 2-0 win in opposition to Everton at Anfield on Monday evening.

Mohamed Salah opened the scoring after comical goalkeeping from Toffees goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. Nonetheless, Reds followers have been delighted to see Gakpo bag his first purpose for the membership within the second half.

The Dutch attacker had gone 546 minutes with out netting for his new aspect. He was considered one of Europe’s most in-form forwards at PSV Eindhoven earlier than his January transfer to Anfield. Gakpo reacted to his first purpose for the Reds, pertaining to a dialog he had along with his compatriot Van Dijk (through the Mirror):

“Virgil (van Dijk) instructed me all in regards to the derby and stated it’s going to be a giant battle. He additionally remind me he scored his first purpose in opposition to Everton – so it was an incredible second for the group, and for me.”

Van Dijk: “I didn’t must persuade Cody Gakpo. He’s good participant, a superb boy, we’ve to offer him time and I’m very certain the Liverpool followers will give him time”, instructed Sky 🔴🇳🇱 #LFC“It’s gonna be my fifth anniversary right here. I’m very proud to play for this lovely membership”. https://t.co/S37D4qhjkW

Van Dijk scored a dramatic late winner on his Reds debut in a 2-1 win over Everton in 2018. He has since develop into a membership legend, making over 200 appearances and successful the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup.