LIVERPOOL are set to be handed a triple injury boost ahead of Saturday’s away day at St James’ Park.
Roberto Firmino and Diogo Jota returned in last week’s 2-0 Merseyside derby win over Everton.
And Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has now revealed that main man Virgil van Dijk is back in contention ahead of Newcastle.
The Dutchman has been sidelined since being replaced at half time in Liverpool’s 3-1 defeat at Brentford on January 2.
Van Dijk was on the bench against Everton, but was an unused substitute.
Klopp said in his pre-match press conference when asked about whether Van Dijk will return to the team: “I think so.
RED MORE IN FOOTBALL
“Yesterday (in training), he looked absolutely ready.”
Van Dijk’s return is a MASSIVE boost for Liverpool, with the Reds currently nine points off fourth-place Newcastle.
Liverpool won just one of their four leagues games and were knocked out of the FA Cup by Brighton during Van Dijk’s absence.
Saturday’s crunch clash is too soon for Ibrahima Konate and Luis Diaz.
Most read in Football
BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
Klopp said: “Same squad as Monday night. Ibou (Konate) not yet, Luis (Diaz) not yet. But that’s it pretty much.
“Nothing happened on the injury side. Thiago out. Calvin (Ramsay) had surgery, not available.”
Klopp could stick with the majority of the team that started in the win over Everton, as he eyes back-to-back league wins.
Van Dijk appears to be certain to start, meaning Joe Gomez could return to the substitutes bench.
The Champions League and Premier League winner could be a part of a defensive four alongside Andy Robertson, Joel Matip and Trent Alexander-Arnold, tasked with protecting goalkeeper Alisson.
Jordan Henderson, Fabinho and teenager Stefan Bajcetic may be called upon to man the midfield.
Despite Jota and Firmino returning, Klopp could look to stick with a front three of Darwin Nunez, Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo.
All three were involved in the two goals against Everton.
Nunez assisted Salah for Liverpool’s opener, and Gakpo opened his Reds account with a back post finish.
Read More on The Sun
Alternatively, Gakpo could be given a rest, and the front three shuffled to accommodate Jota.
Naby Keita could also be brought into the midfield for Bajcetic.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
