Klopp claims he is ‘excited’ to find Van Dijk solution; comments on defender’s surgery

Jurgen Klopp TEAMtalk

Jurgen Klopp has said he is “excited” about finding a solution to his defensive conundrum ahead of Saturday’s Anfield date with West Ham.

The champions will be without Joel Matip, Fabinho and Virgil van Dijk against David Moyes’ side and Klopp says he has a “decision” to make who will partner Joe Gomez in the heart of defence.

Van Dijk has undergone surgery on the knee ligament injury he sustained earlier this month against Everton

The Dutch star had the operation in London and Klopp confirmed it was “successful”.

The club though have refused to place a timeframe on the defender’s return to action.

“I don’t think it’s the place to talk about personal things. After surgery, a successful one, is this time is always unpleasant. He is good as can be and that’s it,” said Klopp.

“It’s all individual what each person needs but we do everything we possibly can. 100 per cent [to help Virgil].

“It’s clear to say he is a quicker healer. He can cope, it’s clear. All these things will help.”

Klopp made it clear that the club will support Van Dijk completely, but stressed the focus now is “on available players”.

Fabinho is also currently sidelined and Klopp admitted the Brazilian will not make it to face the Hammers.

“Fab is not in, a little injury, he is out for the weekend and slightly longer but all the others are in contention,” said Klopp.

Speaking to the the media remotely from Melwood ahead of his team’s meeting with West Ham United, Klopp claimed finding a solution at the back was one he was relishing.

“Maybe enjoy is the wrong word, but I realised long ago that life is a challenge and this is a challenge 100%. Once you get over the incident it is all about solutions. And the solutions I am excited about them that is true,” said Klopp

“I see it as a challenge and an opportunity. But we play games every three days and this will stay a challenge, but we are fine and we will deal with the situation.

 

 

 

Klopp has decision to make

Rhys Williams TEAMtalk

“We will make the best of it, that’s the plan.”

The German coach has three defensive options to partner Gomez – Nat Phillips, Rhys Williams and 17-year-old Billy Koumetio. And he gave now hints as to who would get the nod against West Ham.

Klopp, speaking about Williams, said: “I can say a lot about his progress last few weeks, pretty exceptional. But he was a really good kid when he came here.

“One of the benefits of having Vitor Matos with us. He made us aware of him and said he was really good and said take a look in training. And he was.

“We have Billy the kid and Nat Phillips too. These are our boys. All training. We have to make a decision.”

READ MORE: Barnes wants Klopp and Liverpool to adopt hard line stance over Van Dijk