Van Dijk and Joe Gomez are doing really good claims Liverpool Head coach Jurgen Klopp. The defensive duo were unable to play almost entirely in the 2020-21 season and now, their recovery is on!
Additionally, the German coach has also provided some positive updates about the other injured players such as Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joel Matip. It was a mixed season for the Reds and after an impressive comeback, they finished 3rd in the Premier League alongside winners Manchester City and runners-up Manchester United.
However, the return of key players would be a major boost as Liverpool looks ahead towards a new season. Currently, the four players are in Austria for their pre-season and would be keen on regaining their fitness.
“Van Dijk and Gomez look really good” says Jurgen Klopp
Last season, even though Liverpool bounced back from 7th to 3rd place, there were still some questions asked concerning the defensive department. Ozan Kabak and Fabinho were the new replacements for the injured Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez.
Additionally, van Dijk’s absence was a big blow for Netherlands national team as they were clearly lacking leadership in the defence. Matthijs de Ligt was struggling at the heart of the defence and his inclusion would have maybe won them a trophy.
In an interview on Liverpool’s official website, he spoke about the progress of all the four players’ recoveries,
“Yeah, we’re all working towards one goal to try to play our part come the start of the season. Everyone is on their own journeys, but having the people around you to work with in such a good environment and such good facilities, it makes it a lot easier.”
About the two centre-backs, coach Klopp said as follows,
“That’s for these two. (They) look really good. I don’t know exactly when we can make the next steps but it will happen in the next four weeks. For sure, we will get a big step forward.”
He also mentioned that Joel is the one who is the fastest to recover and would be training normally earlier as compared to the other three players. The 2019-20 Premier League champions face Mainz and Hertha Berlin in their pre-season friendlies on 23rd and 29th July. Their Premier League journey starts with an away match against newly promoted Norwich City on 14th August.
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