Alisson: Liverpool Will Be Fine Without Van Dijk

The Dutch international will miss the first leg of the Bayern Munich clash.

It’s probably par for the course that we’re in the middle of a minor injury crisis just as we face our first major game without Virgil van Dijk. Van Dijk, the backbone of this fantastic team (most clean sheets so far this season), will be sitting out the first leg of Liverpool’s Round of 16 tie against Bayern Munich after picking up three bookings in the group stages.

Klopp, who is already working without Joe Gomez (still recovering from a fractured leg) and Dejan Lovren (hamstring injury), will be hard pressed to find a defense that will keep Bayern’s attackers out, but Alisson has complete faith in Liverpool’s defenders.

“All the defenders have played, so when one comes in and one leaves we don’t feel that loss because we’re all used to each other,” the goalkeeper told Premier League Productions. ”That the backline are all able to communicate with each other, and know each other really well, is vital for any team. Once you’ve cracked it, you’ve got it — and we seem confident.”

Of course, Alisson is looking forward to the challenge that this Bayern team and Manuel Neuer will bring to Anfield.

“We know they’re a really good, strong team,” he added. “Jurgen knows more about that team than anyone. There’s a lot of quality — and a great defence. [Neuer] is a big reference for me. When we got them in the draw I was pleased knowing I’d be against him.”

Bayern won’t be without their share of injuries on Tuesday, either, with Kingsley Coman still an uncertainty and Arjen Robben ruled out due to continuing problems with his sciatic nerve. All in all, it’s shaping up to be an interesting match.

Source: liverpooloffside.sbnation.com