Jürgen Klopp issues update on Virgil van Dijk's return | OneFootball

Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp has suggested Virgil van Dijk could make his long-awaited return from injury in Thursday’s pre-season friendly against Hertha BSC.

The Dutch centre-back hasn’t featured since undergoing knee surgery after picking up a knee injury in the Merseyside Derby in October but has been taking part in training sessions during the Reds’ training camp in Austria.

And speaking ahead of the game with the Bundesliga side, Klopp told Liverpoolfc.tv: “I hope, I am not sure, that there is the opportunity that Virgil could play a few minutes.

“He looks really good in training and maybe we can bring him in, but I need to have some final conversations. He looks ready and we will see.”

There was also good news around Joe Gomez, who is also expected to make a return during pre-season after being out injured since November.

“Joey is very close. There is no race between the two of them; they had different injuries and stuff like this, but he is very close.

“If Virgil can play now 20 then probably Joey can in the game after. We will see. In training they both look really good.”

Liverpool will face LaLiga sides Athletic Club and Osasuna next weekend to round off their preparations for the new Premier League season.