Virgil van Dijk delivers the news Liverpool fans want to see
LIVERPOOL defender Virgil van Dijk insists he will be available to play against Southampton on Friday, following an injury he suffered up in the Reds’ win over Tottenham.
Having been labelled a defensively unstable team by many over the last few seasons, Liverpool had been desperate for some solidarity at the back.
This season they’ve conceded just 19 goals and have kept the most clean sheets in the division with 17.
And despite the worry over Van Dijk’s injury, the 27-year-old has eased the fears in Reds supporters’ hearts by confirming his availability for the trip to St Mary’s later this week.
“It hurts. We have to take a look at it, but I will be fine for Friday,” he said.
Virgil van Dijk moved to Liverpool from Southampton in January for £75m (Image: GETTY )
Jurgen Klopp’s side took a crucial step in their quest for Premier League glory with victory over Spurs.
The game started in fine fashion for Liverpool as Roberto Firmino headed them in front after 16 mins.
Sadio Mane looked a tricky customer for the hosts but missed out on the opportunity to double the Merseyside team’s lead a couple of times with curled efforts.
In the second half, following a change in tactic from Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino, Tottenham equalised thanks to some quick thinking by Harry Kane.
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Virgil van Dijk sustained an ankle injury in Liverpool's win over Tottenham (Image: GETTY )
The Englishman cleverly hit a quick free-kick cross-field to Kieran Trippier before the ball found its way to Lucas Moura in the box who smashed home.
Spurs nearly sealed the game with minutes to go but Van Dijk’s ominous presence was enough to snuff out the counter-attacking threat posed by Moussa Sissoko and Heung-Min Son, as the former shot wild and high with his weak foot.
And in injury time, Liverpool made the day theirs as a looping ball from Trent Alexander-Arnold was headed by Mohamed Salah into the helpless palms of Hugo Lloris.
The Frenchman could only push the ball into Alderweireld’s shin, before the it managed to trickle its way over the line and fire Liverpool back to the top of the Premier League with six games to play.