Liverpool centre-back Joel Matip is optimistic that team-mate Virgil van Dijk will be fit to face former club Southampton in the Premier League on Friday.
The Dutchman sustained an ankle injury after attempting to block a Moussa Sissoko shot during the latter stages of the Reds' dramatic 2-1 win over Tottenham last time out, as Jurgen Klopp's side moved back above Manchester City to the summit of the table.
Klopp admitted after the game that he hoped the injury for Van Dijk - which required an ice pack post-match - was 'nothing serious', with Matip sharing those sentiments and expects to be partnered with the 27-year-old at the centre of defence against the Saints, as he has done for the previous ten league games.
"I think he is not too bad," replied Matip when asked during an interview with Sky Sports about the severity of Van Dijk's injury.
"After a game a few players always have some small injuries but I've heard nothing else, so I think he will be fit."
Is there anything @VirgilvDijk can't do... 😲😉 pic.twitter.com/2VGpn1eaRt
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 2, 2019
Van Dijk, who was pictured in training with the Reds on Tuesday, has certainly had a positive influence on Liverpool defensively since his £75m arrival from Southampton in January 2018, with the signs of an improved defensive unit transcending from the second half of last season into this campaign.
The Reds have the best defensive record in the league this season, conceding just 19 goals in 32 games so far, although Matip has put that down to improvements made throughout the team.
He added: "
Klopp's side could find themselves back in second by the time they kick off against Ralph Hasenhuttl's side on Friday if City beat Cardiff on Wednesday, with Sadio Mane claiming the Reds need to win 'all their remaining games' to clinch the title, although Matip thinks both sides will drop points between now and the end of the season.
Source: 90min
