Liverpool

Liverpool

Premier League • England

Impending return of ‘massive’ Liverpool duo tipped to propel Reds up Premier League table

Thiago, Andy Robertson and Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool

Former Tottenham and England goalkeeper Paul Robinson claims that the impending return of two key Liverpool men could end up transforming the club’s season.

Both Virgil van Dijk and Roberto Firmino have been sidelined in recent weeks but are now back in training, and Robinson thinks the former is clearly better than the other centre-halves at Anfield, even if at only at 70 percent fitness.

Jurgen Klopp’s men face a huge month of action as they take on Wolves, Everton and Newcastle in the Premier League before facing off against Real Madrid in the Champions League.

And when asked by Football Insider for his reaction to the news of Van Dijk and Firmino both being pictured back in training, Robinson said: “It will be massive to have Van Dijk back.

“They have missed him. Alright, he has not been at his best this year but that does not mean they have not missed him.

“It will also be good to have Firmino back. He brings something different to that attack and his return would allow [Cody] Gakpo to play wide left.

“Their squad has been tested to the limit. They have had an unprecedented amount of injuries this season and they have had to rely on young players like Harvey Elliott.

“Having Van Dijk at 70-80 per cent is still better than what they have got. He is vital for them.

“It’s been tough for Klopp with the amount of injuries they have had this season. You can tell from his press conferences.”

Robinson’s verdict on Van Dijk is in stark contrast to fellow Football Insider pundit Frank McAvennie, you actually felt that the Dutchman’s absence was ‘better for the team’.

Firmino closing on new Liverpool deal

Meanwhile, it appears that Firmino is edging ever closer to a new Anfield contract.

The Brazilian’s current deal with the Reds is set to expire at the end of the season, so it is important for them to get a deal over the line to stop him leaving on a free transfer.

There had been speculation that the 31-year-old was not in Jurgen Klopp’s plans for next season, but if the latest reports are to be believed, that is not the case.

This was confirmed by his agent on Wednesday, who said that there will be ‘more clarity’ on Firmino’s future later this month. Indeed, Roger Wittman insisted talks are progressing and were “on the right track”.

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