Liverpool rocked with defensive worries ahead of Leicester clash

January 29, 2019 By Ali M.

Topics: Virgil Van Dijk, Alexander-Arnold Trent, Leicester, Liverpool, English Premier League

The Reds will host the Foxes at Anfield on Wednesday but could be without Virgil Van Dijk.

Liverpool is gearing up for a crucial Premier League clash this midweek. The Reds will host Leicester on Wednesday in round 24 of the English top-flight with the sole aim of earning another three points.

However, the Merseyside giant is facing a few concerns in defense that might hurt them at Anfield. The first is the condition of Virgil Van Dijk.

The Dutch center-back has been a commanding figure in Klopp's back-four this term but could miss the crucial Leicester showdown. The former Southampton man is a doubt for the upcoming game after falling ill during his recent trip to Dubai.

As a result, Van Dijk has not returned to full training, missing Monday's session. Should the world's most expensive defender sit out Tuesday's one as well, the odds of him featuring in the Foxes clash will be close to none.

Van Dijk was absent once again as Klopp put his players through their paces under the lights at Melwood on Monday evening. Unless he's given the green light to train on Tuesday then he's unlikely to feature against the Foxes.
— Anfield HQ (@AnfieldHQ) January 28, 2019

Should that be the case, Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip will partner each other at the center-back position. However, that is not Klopp's only concern, as he also faces another issue with the right-back role.

Alexander-Arnold Trent has not returned from injury yet and James Milner, the man who filled that vacancy in their last league game, is suspended after being sent off in the 4-3 Crystal Palace win. Fabinho will likely deputize, but that could leave the table-topper vulnerable at the back.

Currently, Liverpool boasts a four-point lead but will play a day after second-placed Man City. The Citizens will take on Newcastle on Tuesday and could slash that deficit to a single point should Salah and Co. slip up.