Topics: Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp, FA Cup, Arsenal, Virgil Van Dijk
Jurgen Klopp gave an amusing insight into Virgil van Dijk's current state after the defender missed Sunday's trip to Arsenal through illness.
Ahead of kick-off, it was confirmed that the Dutchman would be absent from Liverpool's matchday squad for their FA Cup third round tie in North London.
The 32-year-old, who has been a standout performer for the Reds this season, will continue to be assessed ahead of Wednesday's Carabao Cup semi-final clash against Fulham.
Klopp would later provide a pre-match update on his condition. "Virg is ill. We were actually kind of lucky in the last two, three weeks because a lot of staff had it but not the players," the German said.
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"And now Virg got the virus and we have to see how he feels tomorrow and if he is available for the next one. But for today there was no chance, so we didn't even try it."
Liverpool still managed to secure a place in the fourth round without their captain, as goals from Kiwior [OG] and Luis Diaz sealed a hard-fought 2-0 victory.
After the full-time whistle, Klopp was once again asked about the absent Virgil van Dijk and he gave a, let's just say, no-nonsense response to the question.
When asked about the situation and whether the Dutchman will be available for Wednesday's fixture at Anfield, he said: "I am hopeful but I don't know. It's difficult for Virg to look sh**t, but he did."
Klopp somehow managed to keep a straight face as he uttered those words, and received a smattering of laughs from those present in the press room.
He would then confirm that Van Dijk was sent home as a result of the illness.
Away from Van Dijk looking a tad worse for wear and Klopp singled out Trent Alexander-Arnold for his outstanding performance against the Gunners on Sunday.
"What a game he [Alexander-Arnold] played by the way in all the positions he played,” he said.
“You see his class on the ball. We could have scored a second slightly earlier with one or two counter attacks where we could have saw the pass earlier. We desperately wanted to avoid a draw. Now I don't have to make any decisions which is good.
"Overall, I'm super proud. It's a super difficult draw. Maybe the most difficult we could have got. With all the things we had to consider coming here, Arsenal lined up slightly different, that was smart. We changed a bit at half-time.
"We were really in the game in the second half. We scored the goals and brought the kids on. We fought for 95 minutes. We have a winter break now.
"It was obvious there would be changes. Today the boys bought into it and we could make them."
Klopp added: "In the end we came through. I'm really happy and proud we could win this game. Arsenal could have won it without a doubt. We finished it off and it spoke for the character of the boys."
