Van Dijk faces late fitness test

Virgil van Dijk will undergo a late assessment on Saturday to determine whether he is able to start in a crucial Premier League game against Chelsea.

Van Dijk was forced off with a rib injury early in the second half of last weekend’s victory against Southampton.

He played no part in midweek against Chelsea, and has sat out each training session since, including the final preparations on Friday.

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The Echo‘s James Pearce has confirmed that the Dutchman has travelled to London with the rest of the squad, but he remains a doubt.

Van Dijk has started the season very impressively, meaning his absence would be a significant blow, particularly in a match which could prove key in the developing title fight.

Some fans have taken encouragement from a message posted on the defender’s Instagram page, which read: ‘Focussed and looking forward to another big game tomorrow against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.’

Should the 27-year-old miss out, Klopp will turn to either Joel Matip or Dejan Lovren to partner Joe Gomez.

Both started in the defeat against the Blues on Wednesday, with Lovren making his comeback from injury.

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Source: anfieldhq.com