Liverpool without key defender for visit of Van Dijk’s Southampton

Jurgen Klopp may well be without first choice centre-back Joel Matip for the visit of Southampton on Saturday, the Mirror reports.

The news of the Cameroonian’s likely absence due to a thigh problem is a big blow for Liverpool, who is without right-back Nathaniel Clyne, with a decision to make as to how to fill the spot Matip vacates at the back.

Dejan Lovren is favourite to return to the side following alongside Ragnar Klavan in what would be his first start since being hauled before half time in a horror show against Tottenham at Wembley.

The Reds boss could, however, shift Joe Gomez into a centre-back berth, having performed so well in a back three for England over the past week, and re-instate academy graduate Trent Alexander-Arnold at full-back.

Regardless of Klopp’s decision, Liverpool’s defensive issues will only shine the spotlight further on Virgil van Dijk on the opposing side, who the Merseysiders famously tried and failed to sign over the summer.

The Dutchman, back from injury, will start for Southampton for the sixth league game running and will undoubtedly be hoping to impress.