How Liverpool could line up in crunch Newcastle clash as Jurgen Klopp confirms THREE huge stars could return from injury
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.
GettyJurgen Klopp has been handed a triple injury boost[/caption]
AFPKlopp has confirmed that Virgil van Dijk will return against Newcastle[/caption]
PADiogo Jota is another injury boost after returning against Everton[/caption]
APRoberto Firmino also returned to action[/caption]
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.
“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.
How Liverpool could line up away at Newcastle WITH Van Dijk
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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.
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.
An alternative team which Klopp could field
