Virgil Van Dijk has been given the all-clear for the Premier League clash against Southampton on Friday evening, according to Mirror journalist David Maddock.
According to the Mirror report, Van Dijk limped out of the win against Tottenham with an ice pack to his ankle and suspected ligament damage.
However, Maddock has now claimed that “tests give all clear for Van Dijk to play v Saints on Friday.”
Van Dijk himself also said he would be fine for the game, saying, “Yeah yeah I think I’m totally…I’m gonna be fine. It hurts, we have to take a look at it, but I will be fine for Friday.”
Maddock made the claim on his personal Twitter page on Monday afternoon.
Huge title boost for #LFC as tests give all clear for van Dijk to play v Saints on Friday. Van Dijk himself says: "I'm gonna be fine. It hurts, but I will be fine for Friday.”https://t.co/oTtMn4M4Xm
— David Maddock (@MaddockMirror) April 1, 2019
OPINION
This is indeed a huge boost for Liverpool’s title aspirations. Van Dijk has been absolutely key to Liverpool’s success this season, partly built on the league’s tightest defence. 19 goals conceded in 32 games is two better than their nearest rivals Man City and 15 better than Tottenham in third. Liverpool were perhaps lucky to secure the three points against Tottenham, but that’s one of their toughest games circumnavigated. If they can beat Southampton on Friday and then Chelsea the week after, they’ve got a relatively easy run-in and all the pressure will be on Man City as they prepare to face Man United. Liverpool should get past Southampton without too much of a problem, but that would have been made much harder had Van Dijk been ruled out. The towering 6ft 4in defender is made of stern stuff – something Jurgen Klopp will be very glad of. Van Dijk is reportedly getting Tuesday off training on Tuesday – in case any eagle-eyed Liverpool fans get the fear tomorrow.