‘Big boost for them’… Pundit says Liverpool have been given some great news ahead of Fulham clash

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Liverpool head into tonight’s Carabao Cup semi-final with Fulham with a number of injury issues.

Already without a clutch of first-team players, Jurgen Klopp saw Trent Alexander-Arnold’s name added to the ‘unavailable’ pile yesterday. The right-back should hopefully return in around three weeks.

In the meantime though, the Reds can’t feel sorry for themselves. Fulham almost got a result at Anfield a month or so ago and will feel confident of getting something to take back to Craven Cottage.

And previewing the possibility of a Cottagers upset for ESPN last night, former England defender Nedum Onuoha claimed that Marco Silva’s side could well get something. However, Onuoha did also claim that Virgil van Dijk’s return from illness will be a ‘big boost’ for Liverpool.

“I think this is a great chance for Fulham,” said the pundit. “But the downside is that it’s at Anfield which is essentially a fortress. I think the game itself is probably going to be closer than it would have been if Liverpool had some of their stars there.

“But Liverpool without their right side, without key midfielders, key forwards. The fact is that Van Dijk’s coming back which is a big boost for them, I think it’s going to be a very, very exciting game. As far as I see it, Liverpool take no backwards steps and I don’t think Fulham do either.”

Liverpool handed Van Dijk boost

With young Owen Beck looking likely to play at left-back and Conor Bradley at right-back, Liverpool really need their captain tonight.

Caoimhin Kelleher will also play, meaning the Reds’ back-line is going to need an old head in there somewhere.

Had Van Dijk still been suffering from illness, it’s probable that Klopp would have gone with the more experienced duo of Joe Gomez and Ibrahima Konate.

With such youth either side of the defence, we’d wager that Konate will be asked to go again alongside the Liverpool captain.

That would add some stability to the defence and give Beck and Bradley confidence that they’ve got the best in the world to depend upon, as well as the excellent Ibou.

Even with Virgil back though, there is some real jeopardy for Liverpool tonight. Fulham carry a proper goal threat and will smell the possibility of an upset.

The Reds should still be favourites, but they’ll have to be right at it.

Having the skipper back will obviously help with that. Let’s hope he’s fully shaken off whatever kept him out of Sunday, because we’re going to need him.