Liverpool are set to face a tough Southampton team in the second leg of their EFL Cup semi-final at Anfield but there could be some good news for Jurgen Klopp’s side. Virgil van Dijk, who has been one of the best players for Claude Puel’s team, could be missing out in the match against the Reds.
The former Celtic man picked up an ankle injury in the 3-0 win over Leicester City on Sunday and Puel could be looking to start Maya Yoshida and Jack Stephens at the back against the Merseyside club.
The Saints are down to their bare bones when it comes to players in the heart of the defence as they sold their captain, Jose Fonte, to West Ham United for £8 million. Van Dijk had been promoted to captain for the side and the club would certainly be missing out on the leadership of the Dutch centre-back, should he not play in the second leg.
As the manager of the club awaits results from Van Dijk’s scan, he is hopeful that the former Celtic star can turn up for the game. Puel is also confident that Stephens, who has never started a Premier League game for the away side, will do a great job even if it is in a hostile atmosphere.
“If he has to play, I think he will with a good spirit,” said Puel as quoted by the Telegraph. “He’s a good player, an international under-21, intelligent and can anticipate. I have all my confidence in Jack. It’s not a problem.”
Puel also shared an update on Van Dijk’s injury by stating it wasn’t serious but he was unsure if the Dutchman would be fit for the clash against the Reds.
“It’s a good kick on his ankle. I think it’s not serious but I don’t know if he can participate.”
The Southampton manager also admitted that defending is not going to be an option for the Saints if they are trying to reach the final of the EFL Cup. The away side are carrying a one-goal lead coming into Anfield but Puel believes that will not be enough.
“We are in a situation where it is not efficient to stay just one goal up,” the Southampton manager said. “It will be important to score another goal away. We will have a good team and a strong team to defend this result, and not just to defend this result but to attack and play a strong game like the first leg.”
While the injury to Van Dijk will come as great news to the Reds, they too have problems with their defence. The Reds conceded three poor goals against Swansea in their last game and should they play in the same form, they will get knocked out of the EFL Cup.
