Van Dijk Returns from Duty Too Soon, Alisson Returns to Training

Liverpool will play 11 games in 35 days before the year ends, starting a lengthy, uninterrupted run of games as the final international break of 2024 draws to a close. Arne Slot’s team will be under a lot of pressure after such a run, and in what might end up being a three-way contest for the championship, the ultimate configuration of the Premier League table may depend on the health of the squad.

Alisson’s return to full training will therefore be fantastic news for all Liverpool supporters, as the Brazilian goalkeeper continues to be the best in the world, topping the charts for both save percentage and shots saved in relation to post-shot expected goals in Europe’s top five leagues this season, even with the excellent interim work of Caoimhin Kelleher.

Since hurting his calf against Crystal Palace at the beginning of October, the former Roma player has not played, but as soon as he is totally match fit, he should be included in the starting lineup.

Meanwhile, Holland’s head coach and notorious dickhead, Ronald Koeman, has announced that captain Virgil van Dijk has returned early from international duty due to a few minor concerns.

“Virgil already had some minor complaints last week,” Koeman stated. He worked out on his own last week till Wednesday. He always plays everything, which is very important given the schedule that these guys must follow. We chose to send him back to the club for that reason.

Hopefully, Virgil’s ability to play for the Reds won’t be affected by any of these small issues, but if he must miss any games in the next run, Sunday’s trip to Southampton, his old club, is most likely the best option.