After collecting a straight red card against Newcastle yesterday, Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk is anticipated to serve a suspension
Alexander Isak was struck by the Reds captain as the forward advanced toward goal. It appeared a little harsh to Virgil, perhaps. There is, however, no likelihood that the judgment will be overturned, as it was in the case of Alexis Mac Allister last week.
Liverpool will instead have to function without their skipper for the time being. However, according to the Premier League’s Fantasy Football website, Van Dijk will only be absent for that one game.
The 32-year-old’s profile on the website has a remark that reads, “Suspended until 16 Sep.”
Although that is still over three weeks away, with an international break in between, Van Dijk only appears to be out for the match against Aston Villa on Sunday. Phew.
Van Dijk will not play against Villa.
The precise length of Van Dijk’s absence from Liverpool has not yet been confirmed in writing. The Dutchman should only miss one game, though, according to the wording of the law.
That will come as a major relief to Jurgen Klopp, whose alternatives for center-backs were beginning to look very limited.
The extent of Ibrahima Konate’s muscle ailment, which prevented him from playing yesterday, is still unknown. But at this stage, it would be unexpected if he played against Villa at Anfield the following week.
Therefore, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip appear ready to continue their alliance against Unai Emery’s hot squad.
Jarell Quansah’s cameo at Newcastle demonstrated his great potential. There is no possibility he starts, though, unless something occurs to one of the more experienced choices.
There is, of course, a third choice for Liverpool. They could go and do what supporters have been pleading with them to do all summer: sign a defender because the transfer market is still open until Friday.
The Reds won’t be pressured into making a signing, though, as Virgil is only expected to miss one game. At St. James’ Park, Matip and Gomez fared admirably. This previous partnership is still alive and well. I suppose that’s what we’ll have to do.
Leave a Reply