JURGEN KLOPP feared Liverpool were ready for all-out war with Everton over Virgil van Dijk’s knee injury.
But the Reds boss reckons enough time has passed since the October incident and there will be no repercussions in tomorrow’s Merseyside derby.
Virgil van Dijk has been missing since Liverpool’s last clash against EvertonCredit: PA:Press Association
Van Dijk is still recovering after injuring his right anterior cruciate ligament following a challenge by keeper Jordan Pickford in the 2-2 draw at Goodison Park.
Klopp said: “Nothing will be carried over into this game.
“When we got the diagnosis, it was good we did not play Everon immediately again.
“We are all human beings and, of course, it was not nice.
“Now, that is long gone and we just don’t think about it any more.
“But it is still a derby and that is enough for being motivated at the highest level and we will try to play the best football we can.”
Asked whether Van Dijk’s injury and the draw at Goodison was a key moment of the season, Klopp said: “It was an important day, yes. For sure.”
When we got the diagnosis, it was good we did not play Everon immediately again
Jurgen Klopp on Virgil van Dijk
Liverpool will be looking to avoid a fourth successive home Prem defeat after crashing against Burnley, Brighton and Manchester City.
Klopp admitted his team will face a tough task against Everton.
Incredibly, Carlo Ancelotti is the fifth manager he has faced in the Merseyside derby. German coach Klopp, 53, said: “They had good teams over the years but a manager like Carlo can help any team.
“He had a good squad and, maybe, they are closer than ever to us. But that is good.”
Naby Keita is available again after an illness but Fabinho is still missing with a muscle problem.
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Klopp added: “Naby trained with the team, so we have to see.
“Fab was not in training. Nothing new.
“They all get closer — Fab gets closer, Millie (James Milner) gets closer and Diogo (Jota) gets closer but not close enough for the weekend.”
Virgil van Dijk rides exercise bike in Liverpool boost as he steps up recovery from horror knee injury
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
