LIVERPOOL prepared for their Club World Cup semi-final without Virgil van Dijk after the defender missed the first training session in Qatar.
The Dutch centre-back missed his team’s first training session in the Middle East last night.
Virgil van Dijk may not be risked against MonterreyCredit: Reuters
Van Dijk, who has a minor strain, skipped the session as a precaution but it is still hoped he will face Mexicans Monterrey.
The Premier League leaders trained at Qatar University but the Dutch defender was given his own personal gym programme to follow.
Gini Wijnaldum was also absent as he underwent treatment for a hamstring problem.
Jurgen Klopp will be keen to get through the potential two games with no more injury concerns as the busy festive period fast approaches.
Speaking ahead of the match against Monterray, Klopp said: “Honestly, I don’t know much about Mexican football – we haven’t had the chance to watch games.”
With Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip out until the New Year, the Liverpool boss wont be taking any risks with the only fit centre-backs, Van Dijk and Joe Gomez, as they look to secure their first top flight title since 1990.
Lovren picked up a muscle problem in the win over Red Bull Salzburg and was absent as the Reds made it 19 games unbeaten on Saturday by seeing off Watford 2-0 at Anfield.
With the majority of the first team squad preparing for the game on Wednesday, they still have the Carabao Cup tie against Aston Villa to play tomorrow.
Liverpool have been given permission to field a second-string side as their fixture list is piling up.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp confirms Dejan Lovren is out with ‘serious’ injury
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
