VAN DIJK "MUCH BETTER" BUT STILL IN PAIN

A very worrying afternoon for some of Liverpool's fans' after Virgil van Dijk had to be taken off, ten minutes into the second half against Southampton due to picking up a rib injury.

Nevertheless, the Reds boss, Jurgen Klopp stated the injury was not major, although it was confirmed the defender was still having some pains.

At the press conference before Liverpool’s clash with Chelsea on Wednesday evening, the manager said:

“Virgil is much better, still a bit painful. We will see how we deal with that. Not too serious, but not nothing. It needs to settle. We will see how he is today and make a decision about his availability for Wednesday."

It is believed the defender will be rested for the EFL Cup game on account of the sturdy run of fixtures the Reds have in the next few games.

The Dutch is likely to play through his affliction against Chelsea on Saturday and the important forthcoming games – Napoli and Manchester City next month.