Klopp has announced that virgil van dijk is recovering from an illness, so he will miss liverpool’s fa cup third-round match against arsenal today (january 7). Van dijk was a surprise omission from klopp’s matchday squad to face the gunners. The dutch defender has been a constant at the heart of the merseysiders’ defense this season, playing 20 games in a row. However, the 32-year-old will miss liverpool’s fa cup match against arsenal. Klopp has had to reshuffle his deck in defense due to van dijk’s absence. In the merseysiders’ backline, rising star jarell quansah joins ibrahima konate. Liverpool has gone five games unbeaten, and van dijk has been instrumental. He’s helped his team keep six clean sheets and has chipped in with three-goal contributions. After losing to west ham united and fulham in the league, klopp’s squad faces an arsenal side that is licking their wounds. Arteta’s side fell to fourth place after those setbacks, losing to today’s visitors at the emirates.
Quansah takes over as van dijk’s replacement after a promising campaign for the three-cap england u21 international. Klopp made his senior debut in august when he came off the bench in a 2-1 victory over newcastle united in the league. Since joining the club, the 20-year-old has made 14 appearances in various competitions, keeping five clean sheets. He’s also contributed to three goals, including a goal in the uefa europa league. Quansah is already claiming to be van dijk’s long-term replacement. Quansah rose through the anfield youth ranks, receiving accolades during his time with the club’s u21s. He’s also earned three caps for england’s u21s, and many expect him to make it to the three lions’ senior squad.
