Carragher doesn't expect Salah or van Dijk to play for Liverpool tomorrow
Jamie Carragher has told Monday Night Football (broadcast on 16/5; 19:39) that he does not expect Mo Salah or Virgil van Dijk to play for Liverpool on Tuesday, suggesting that Jurgen Klopp will rest anyone in danger of missing the Champions League final.
Liverpool face Southampton this week knowing that only a victory will likely keep their Premier League title hopes alive. Of course, an incredible quadruple remains possible, with the Carabao Cup and FA Cup now won.
Klopp is in a difficult position. Obviously, the fans will not want to see Liverpool throw the towel in on the league title. But also, it would be a real gamble to play either van Dijk or Salah after they came off at Wembley with the Champions League final on the horizon.
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Certainly, Carragher does not think that he will see either key man play against the Saints. He suggested that the showdown with Real Madrid has to now be the priority.
“I don’t think Klopp will play anyone where there is a risk of injury. I’d back that,” he told Monday Night Football.
“I’d be surprised to see Mo Salah playing or Virgil van Dijk playing. Liverpool have more chance of winning the Champions League and if Liverpool can play their best team in the Champions League final I think they have an 80% chance of winning that.”
Carragher doesn’t expect van Dijk or Salah to play
It is going to be a tough call for Klopp. And he may decide to look at each decision individually. Clearly, Liverpool have the depth and quality to win without those two. But obviously, their task will be tougher.
Perhaps the situation will be different if the Reds win at St Mary’s. They will have less time to recover after the final day against Wolves. But if they are only a point before Sunday, perhaps Klopp will be more inclined to take a gamble in the hope that it helps lead to four trophies.
