Virgil Van Dijk has confirmed that he will be fit and ready for the Champions League final on Saturday.
The defender has missed the last two games through injury. But speaking to liverpoolfc.com, Van Dijk now says he’ll be 100% fit for the final.
“My body is definitely enjoying a little bit of rest after playing so many games, so many tense moments, and I think getting a little knock after the FA Cup final was maybe a sign that my body needed to have a rest,” said the 30-year-old.
“I feel absolutely fine now and looking forward to, hopefully, a special evening.”
Amidst the news that Fabinho is back in training and Mohamed Salah is also fit and ready, this is more brilliant news for Liverpool fans.
Clash of the titans
There’s huge relief all-round that Van Dijk will be on the pitch for Liverpool in Paris.
In Karim Benzema, Real Madrid have the most lethal striker in Europe in their ranks. Liverpool now know that they’ll be able to counter that with the very best defender in the world.
Had Van Dijk not managed to shake of the knock that forced him to come off during the FA Cup final, Liverpool’s chances of winning would have reduced immediately. Instead, their confidence should be given a shot in the arm.
There’s an argument to be had that the big Dutchman is actually Liverpool’s most important player. He’s certainly one of the most influential in The Reds continuous use of their high defensive line.
Without him there, Liverpool look instantly more vulnerable. In the biggest games against as wily opponents as Benzema and Real Madrid, you need your best players available.
From a spectacle point of view it’s important as well. Van Dijk is one of the best players in the world. When the Champions League final comes around, you want to have the top players available and on the pitch.
After missing last summer’s European Championships with injury, it would have been a bitter blow for Virgil to miss out here too. Thankfully though, the big man is fine. Roll on Paris.