Liverpool injury update: Naby Keita ruled out of Huddersfield clash but Virgil van Dijk declared fit to start

Jurgen Klopp expressed his concern over the Nations League and the increased competition during the international break before any of his squad departed and now he is preparing to face Huddersfield town in the Premier League with several first team players suffering from injured picked up while representing their countries.

Naby Keita, Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Virgil Van Dijk all returned to Liverpool early to have treatment on various injuries and have given Klopp a dilemma with who to risk at the weekend to maintain their good start to the season.

“You make a lot of my comments about the Nations League – and everyone has their opinion about it – but the things they say about it are exactly what I think – it’s too much in that competition: ‘Proper games, real opponents, it is better than having any friendlies’,” said Klopp when asked about the Nations League, which he previously labelled “senseless”.

“That’s all good but you don’t want to see (Anthony) Joshua fighting every second night, it’s not possible. This week he fights in Leeds, next week he fights in Manchester and no-one asked for it."

Naby Keita

Naby Keita did not train with the first team on Thursday after returning from international duty with a hamstring injury. He initially tried to carry on while on duty with Guinea and his teammates helped him up, but he failed to finish the game.

Keita had a scan on his return and is out of Liverpool’s match against Huddersfield on Saturday evening at least. “I’m pretty sure Naby will not be available,” said Klopp ahead of the Premier League return.

Sadio Mane

The winger returned to Liverpool early and had surgery on his hand after deliberation from the club’s medical team. “Mane’s recovery will be monitored over the next couple of days ahead of the Red’s return to action,” confirmed the club in a statement.

The timescale on Mane’s recovery is vague. A broken thumb should not impair his football too much, but the club may not want to risk him against Huddersfield and Red Star Belgrade.

Mohamed Salah

Salah came off late in Egypt’s first match then returned back to Liverpool early for treatment on a muscle strain.

He was monitored closely as the first team returned but was able to train on Thursday and is likely to feature against Huddersfield.

Virgil van Dijk

The Netherlands captain missed their friendly against Belgium and was playing against Germany with broken ribs, according to Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman.

He’s returned to training and will be fit to play against Huddersfield.

“Virgil would not leave a game without any major problems but it’s settled quick and that’s how it is,” Klopp said.

“Football players have to play very often with some kind of pain, that’s how it is. It’s all good, he has no problems with that [rib] anymore.”

James Milner

Milner was forced off with an injury early during the 0-0 draw against Manchester City and made a surprise return to first team training and is not thought to be a doubt for the weekend.