Klopp aide sends ‘can’t wait’ message as Liverpool loan star set to face Reds

Liverpool have revealed that they have given permission to let Preston loanee Sepp van den Berg face his parent club on Wednesday.

The Reds travel to Deepdale to face the Championship side in the last 16 of the Carabao Cup. Jurgen Klopp’s side’s journey in the competition started with a 3-0 win over Norwich in September.

In an intriguing draw, Liverpool face Preston, who snapped up centre-back Van den Berg in the summer.

The Dutchman is on loan for the season as he continues his development ahead of a potential move into the first team.

Loan players are generally ineligible to face their parent clubs. However, Liverpool have given special dispensation to allow their defender not to miss out on the experience.

Liverpool assistant manager Pep Lijnders told a press conference: “Yes, of course he should play.

“It’s like, if you want to be a chef, you need to spend a lot of time in the kitchen! So, what would our message be if we sent our players on loan to get good games and then there’s a good game coming and not letting them play?

“We want to give young players opportunities and for Sepp it is an amazing game. I am in contact with him, he looks forward to it and that’s probably the most important thing.”

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Liverpool have had great success from sending their youngsters to the Championship on loan.

Indeed, Harvey Eliott impressed at Blackburn last term and enjoyed a standout first-team role this season before his ankle injury.

Lijnders hopes to replicate that for 19-year-old Van den Berg, who has played 17 times for Preston so far.

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“It’s exactly what he needed; a young centre-half who is playing in a different position but is fighting in the Championship,” Lijnders said.

“If you can come out of that league you will be ready for a lot.

“We can’t wait to see him in pre-season next year.”

Liverpool are likely to make changes for the game on Wednesday. Divock Origi and Takumi Minamino could come in up front, while Joe Gomez may come in in defence.

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