Virgil van Dijk set to sit out City clash through injury
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has been handed a bitter blow ahead of the heavyweight clash with Manchester City on Sunday, with defender Virgin van Dijjk set to miss out through injury.
Liverpool-based publication the 'Liverpool ECHO' reports that the Dutchman has a tight hamstring and will play no part against the runaway Premier League leaders.
That comes as a huge body blow to the Merseysiders, with the £75m man having been a shoe-in to start alongside Joel Matip in the centre of defence.
In his absence, Dejan Lovren is expected to fill in, with the Liverpool back line likely to face a significant test.
Van Dijk has already endeared himself to Liverpool fans after his debut goal in the FA Cup Third Round derby clash with Everton but will now have to wait to have the chance to prove his worth against one of Europe's form sides.
Liverpool go into Sunday's game looking to avenge their 5-0 defeat at the Etihad in the reverse fixture earlier in the season.