Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has all but ruled out the possibility of long-term absentees Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez featuring in this summers rearranged European Championships.
Last seasons solid defensive partnership were both cruelly injured this term and are expected to miss the rest of the Reds’ campaign, however, Klopp believes their comeback will be extended until beyond the summer tournament at least.
“It’s not my decision but, to be honest, the information I have at the moment, it will be unlikely,” Klopp said of the duo’s chances.
“So it’s not that I don’t let them go, because I don’t want to have to do that anyway, but it’s because of the extent of the injury.”
The German manager went on to express his ‘hope’ that the pair are back with the squad for pre-season ahead of the 2021/22 campaign, along with Joel Matip – who will also miss the remainder of the season through injury.
“The two of them (van Dijk and Gomez) look in the moment better than Joel looks because he’s still in what looks like ski boots.”
Both the Dutchman and the Englishman have been pictured recently training together at the clubs AXA Training Centre – with van Dijk in particular seemingly making great strides toward a comeback.
L4L’s VIEW
Whilst every Liverpool fan is longing for the return of all three centre-backs, especially with potential UEFA Champions League latter stages coming up, nobody will want to rush a comeback and potentially suffer further setbacks as a consequence.
Given the horrendous nature of all the injuries, and similarly with Liverpool’s season as a result, allowing the trio time to recover fully and come back fit and firing for next season is the best bet.
From an international perspective, the omission of national team captain van Dijk will put a major dent in their chances and England will certainly miss the 11-times capped Gomez.
