Alisson Back in Training as van Dijk Returns from Duty Prematurely
Yesterday at 05:37 PM
Injury news!
With the final international break of 2024 just about over, Liverpool enter a long, unbroken stretch of games, as they play 11 times in 35 days before the end of the year. That sort of run will place heavy demands on Arne Slot's team, and in what could potentially be a three-horse race for the title, squad health could very well be what decides the final constellation of the Premier League table.
As such, the return of Alisson to full training will be great news for anyone in Liverpool colours, since — despite the admirable deputy work put in by Caoimhin Kelleher in the interim — the Brazilian remains the best goalkeeper in the world, topping the charts for both save percentage and shots saved relative to post-shot expected goals in Europe's top five leagues this season.
The former Roma man has been missing in action since injuring his calf against Crystal Palace back at the start of October, but is expected to feature in the starting XI as soon as he is fully match fit.
Meanwhile, Captain Virgil van Dijk has returned from international duty early, owing to some minor complaints, according to Holland head coach and noted dickhead, Ronald Koeman.
"Virgil had some minor complaints, he already had that last week," said Koeman. "He trained separately last week until Wednesday. Also considering the schedule that these types of players have to complete - he always plays everything. That is why we decided to send him back to the club."
Hopefully none of these minor complaints will impact Virgil's ability to feature for the Reds, although if he has to sit out a single game in the upcoming run, the trip to former club Southampton on Sunday is probably the top pick.
