Van Dijk: Liverpool injury concern ahead of Barcelona clash
The crucial central half and Oxlade-Chamberlain were notable by their absence from training ahead of the Champions League.
It never rains but it pours for Jürgen Klopp ahead of the climax to this incredible 2018/19 season. Liverpool. With Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah already confirmed absent for Tuesday's Champions League semi-final second leg against Barcelona, the complete fitness of Virgil van Dijk appears now to be a doubt.
Van Dijk doubt to face Barcelona
The importance of the Dutch defender missing the opening 15 minutes of Monday's training session - the part open to the international media - remains to be seen. Both he and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain instead took part in a lighter workout away from the main group. From reports inside the club, however, both players are expected to be available to be a part of the huge night at Anfield.
Looks like some big news from #LFC training - NO van Dijk OR Oxlade-Chamberlain for the warm up session. pic.twitter.com/nAEsZNfHEp
— David Maddock (@MaddockMirror) May 6, 2019
The central defender has been a rock at the heart of the Liverpool defence, one that has conceded just 22 goals in 37 Premier League games. Integral to any hopes The Reds have for progressing to a second consecutive Champions League final is not conceding to the likes of Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez, and Van Dijk is almost certainly key to that objective.