Liverpool’s Van Dijk misses Toulouse trip with Quansah ready to step up | Liverpool
The Liverpool captain, Virgil van Dijk, will miss Thursday’s Europa League tie in Toulouse due to sickness, and his place could also be stuffed by a teenager whose fast rise initially took supervisor Jürgen Klopp unexpectedly.
When the 20-year-old Jarell Quansah joined the squad for pre-season coaching he was not thought-about doubtless to play a task within the present marketing campaign, and there have been discussions about sending him out on mortgage.
Klopp determined towards that and after making his debut within the 10‑man win at Newcastle in August, the academy graduate has made seven appearances, together with a Premier League begin at Wolves and back-to-back appearances in Europe. He can be wanting to add to that towards Toulouse, whom Liverpool thrashed 5-1 final day trip.
“Virgil is a little bit ill, it will not be a big thing but we didn’t want him on the plane and maybe others have it a little bit as well,” mentioned Klopp. “That’s why we left him at home. It should be all right for the weekend.”
Asked about Quansah’s prospects, the German added: “If you’ll have requested me pre-season [if] he can be that good I’d have been stunned however since then I noticed him each day and I’m not stunned any extra.
“It’s nice to have a boy from our personal academy with that potential and high quality. We will see the place he ends up however this can be very promising. There was discuss him happening mortgage and we mentioned no – that was clearly an excellent determination.”
Klopp’s greatest choice downside seems to be in midfield as Ryan Gravenberch and Curtis Jones are additionally sidelined. “Ryan got a little niggle in the knee. He was running already today but there was no chance for this game,” Klopp mentioned. “We hope there is a chance for Brentford and he will definitely be back after the international break.”
Jones missed Sunday’s draw at Luton with a “low-grade” hamstring downside that Klopp mentioned will hold him out for a few weeks however with Thiago Alcântara and Stefan Bajcetic long-term absentees, midfield assets are stretched.
Wataru Endo and Harvey Elliott look sure to begin as Liverpool goal to qualifify for the knockout phases with two matches to spare and Alexis Mac Allister could possibly be favorite for the third spot as he’s suspended for Sunday’s sport towards Brentford, though Dominik Szoboszlai, Cody Gakpo and 19-year-old James McConnell might additionally function.
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Sunday’s goalscorer Luis Díaz has additionally travelled as he awaits additional information on the standing of his father after his kidnapping in Colombia.
“Always positive signs but not real news,” mentioned Klopp. “He decided [to rejoin the squad] last week because he cannot go to Colombia – that will not be the case in the moment – and when he is here training and around matches it is a safe place. He wants to be with us, he has travelled and is available.”
After their hammering at Anfield final day trip, the Toulouse coach, Carles Martínez, is on the lookout for enchancment. “It’s true that 5-1 is a pretty heavy score. The result is severe but we have gained experience,” he mentioned. “We don’t keep this match in mind. We think about what we can improve. It is mainly the mental qualities that will be the most important.”
