Liverpool are set to be without superstars Mohamed Salah and Virgil Van Dijk in their penultimate game of the season against Southampton.
Manchester City’s 2-2 draw against West Ham on Sunday reinvigorated the Reds’ title bid. They remain in contention for an unprecedented quadruple.
The two were subbed off in the FA Cup final against Chelsea, which Liverpool went on to win on penalties. Salah is leading the goals and assists chart in the Premier League this season, while Van Dijk has been a defensive stalwart, helping Liverpool to the joint-most clean sheets in the division. The pair will certainly be missed. However, Liverpool fans can be at ease knowing they have more than capable backups. Joel Matip has been superb, while Ibrahim Konate has stepped up when it mattered. Other than Salah, Diego Jota, Luis Diaz and Sadio Mane have all been dangerous. The return of Roberto Firmino further augments their attacking firepower.
Worry Ahead Of The UCL Final?
Jurgen Klopp, however, clarified that both of them should be fit enough for the Champions League final.
“No. They are both OK, so the target for both would be they (Salah and Van Dijk) could be involved again at the weekend. It’s very positive, (there is) no doubt about the final and we’re realistic about the Wolves game (on Sunday), but for tomorrow, (we’d) rather not.”
He further added that fans can expect to see some rotation. Klopp will consider the fact that many players played 120 minutes on the weekend.
The FA Cup final was an intense match against a tough opponent which went all the way to penalties. Liverpool’s chances of a Premier League title remain slim, and it would be wiser to rest key players for a more achievable target, the Champions League. The Liverpool team has incredible depth and should be more than enough to beat the Saints.
For more sports updates, make sure to follow us on: