By Sam Stone

7th Feb, 2023 | 8:40pm

Injury expert offers Liverpool team news update ahead of Everton clash, Virgil van Dijk news shared

Liverpool are set to be without six players for their Merseyside Derby clash against Everton, according to injury expert Ben Dinnery.

Virgil van Dijk is set to miss the fixture at Anfield, with Dinnery claiming (Premier injuries) the Dutchman is likely to return to action for Liverpool’s trip to Newcastle United (18 February).

Luiz Diaz and Arthur Melo are both long-term absentees from Jurgen Klopp’s plans, with both players expected to return in March. Ibrahima Konate and Diogo Jota are also set to miss the fixture against the Toffees, with both players unlikely to return until 21 February.

Roberto Firmino is also out and not expected to return until next week’s fixture against the Magpies. However, one boost for Klopp is that Fabinio has a “75 per cent” chance of playing, after recently suffering from an illness.

Confident

It’s amazing what a week can do in football. Evertonians are now heading to Anfield somewhat confident of picking up a result. Liverpool are in dire form and are certainly there for the taking. Furthermore, the Toffees’ injury situation is far more favourable.

At present, only three players are ruled out for Sean Dyche as the former Burnley boss looks to make it back-to-back wins. There’s still pressure on Everton due to their league position, but all the focus will be on Klopp and the growing criticism which is being thrown his way.

The Anfield faithful will be expecting a comprehensive performance against the Toffees to remind the Premier League that Liverpool are still one of the best teams in the country.

So, taking this into consideration, Everton can head to the red side of Merseyside with relative freedom. They aren’t expected to beat Liverpool and the win over Arsenal has put some much-needed points on the board. Evertonians are certainly looking forward to Monday evening a lot more than the red side of Stanley Park.