Liverpool face Newcastle United on Saturday (February 17), and supervisor Jurgen Klopp has revealed that Virgil van Dijk is match to begin. The Dutch defender has been out of motion since early January with a hamstring harm.

Van Dijk was on the bench for the Reds’ 2-0 Merseyside derby win over Everton on Monday (February 13). Klopp instructed reporters forward of the conflict with the Magpies (by way of Liverpool Echo):

“Yesterday (in coaching), he (Van Dijk) regarded completely prepared.”

The Merseysiders are in stark want of a optimistic consequence in opposition to Newcastle, as their hopes of a top-four end are in jeopardy. They path the fourth-placed Magpies by 9 factors in ninth place.

Van Dijk’s return is a fine addition for Liverpool, because the Dutchman has been one of many Premier League’s prime defenders over time. He has featured 24 occasions throughout competitions this season, offering two assists and serving to the Reds preserve eight clear sheets. In his absence, Klopp’s facet have suffered two defeats and one draw within the league. In addition they exited the FA Cup in opposition to Brighton & Hove Albion.

The Reds will have to be on the prime of their recreation defensively to cope with the high-flying Newcastle facet. Eddie Howe’s males are in pole place to safe UEFA Champions League qualification. The Tyneside giants have misplaced simply as soon as within the league this season.

Cody Gakpo reacts to scoring first Liverpool purpose by revealing dialog with Van Dijk

Liverpool bounced again from a disappointing 3-0 loss to Wolverhampton Wanderers on February 4 with a convincing 2-0 win in opposition to Everton at Anfield on Monday evening.

Mohamed Salah opened the scoring after comical goalkeeping from Toffees goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. Nonetheless, Reds followers had been delighted to see Gakpo bag his first purpose for the membership within the second half.

The Dutch attacker had gone 546 minutes with out netting for his new facet. He was considered one of Europe’s most in-form forwards at PSV Eindhoven earlier than his January transfer to Anfield. Gakpo reacted to his first purpose for the Reds, pertaining to a dialog he had together with his compatriot Van Dijk (by way of the Mirror):

“Virgil (van Dijk) instructed me all in regards to the derby and mentioned it’s going to be an enormous battle. He additionally remind me he scored his first purpose in opposition to Everton – so it was an incredible second for the workforce, and for me.”

Van Dijk: “I didn’t must persuade Cody Gakpo. He’s good participant, an excellent boy, we now have to provide him time and I’m very positive the Liverpool followers will give him time”, instructed Sky 🔴🇳🇱 #LFC“It’s gonna be my fifth anniversary right here. I’m very proud to play for this stunning membership”. https://t.co/S37D4qhjkW

Van Dijk scored a dramatic late winner on his Reds debut in a 2-1 win over Everton in 2018. He has since turn out to be a membership legend, making over 200 appearances and profitable the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup.