Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has been passed fit to start in their key Champions League encounter against La Liga champions Barcelona.
Liverpool’s towering centre-half Virgil van Dijk is fit enough to start in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final contest against Barcelona. The Dutchman’s involvement had been a doubt after he did not train with the rest of the team on the eve of the game, but has been named in the side by manager Jurgen Klopp.
There is a change in the side at the back, with Joel Matip returning to the starting eleven in place of Dejan Lovren, who started against Newcastle United at the weekend. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson keep their places in the full-back slots.
? #UCL team news ?@RhianBrewster9 named in the matchday squad for the first time this season. Oxlade-Chamberlain ruled out as a precaution due to a slight muscle strain. https://t.co/FkXEPiCEta
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) May 7, 2019
The midfield department also sees a solitary change made by Klopp, with seasoned campaigner James Milner getting the nod ahead of Georginio Wijnaldum. Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson starts again, while Fabinho also keeps his place as the midfield enforcer for the Reds.
Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino’s injury-enforced absence means Xherdan Shaqiri and Divock Origi have been handed starts for Liverpool, with Sadio Mane completing the home team’s attacking trifecta against the Catalans. Youngsters Rhian Brewster and Ben Woodburn are on the bench, but Alex Oxlade-Chamerlain misses out with an injury.
? XI
⚽ #LFCBarça
?? Força Barça!— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) May 7, 2019
Meanwhile, former Liverpool stars Luis Suarez and Philippe Coutinho start in attack for Barcelona on their return to Anfield.
