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Salah and van Dijk injury latest ahead of Gameweek 38

An update on the fitness of Mohamed Salah (£13.2m) somehow failed to materialise from the broadcast section of Jurgen Klopp’s press conference on Monday, to much gnashing of teeth from Fantasy managers.

But the embargoed section delivered the goods later in the evening.

The Reds’ head coach was facing the media ahead of Liverpool’s Gameweek 37 fixture at Southampton, eventually providing news on the Egyptian and Virgil van Dijk (£6.8m).

“No [they won’t play on Tuesday]. Virg definitely not but that was pretty much clear before the [Chelsea] game already that I thought, ‘OK, this is the game now.’ He played really a lot and then Saturday-Tuesday again. It was clear. 

“They are both OK. The target would be for both that they could be involved again on the weekend. Properly involved, bench or whatever, few minutes or start, I don’t know, we will see that, because that would be perfect for the [UCL final]. But if not then we take each day afterwards. But we are very positive, or [have] no doubt about the final. I’m pretty realistic about the Wolves game, but tomorrow rather not.” – Jurgen Klopp on Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk

The Liverpool boss also hinted at plenty of changes for Tuesday’s clash on the south coast, which follows hot on the heels of a physically and mentally gruelling 120 minutes at Wembley.

“We only played the 120 minutes two days ago, so when the boys arrive today, I have to make a lot of decisions. What I can promise, we will line up a team only for one reason – to try to win the game at Southampton. We have to see who is able to help. The 30 extra minutes [in the FA Cup final] made a big difference.

“This is a high-energetic, well-organised team we face. Imagine we go there with ten, eight players who played 120 minutes. It makes no sense. That’s why we have to make changes. I don’t know how many, we will see.” – Jurgen Klopp

Trent Alexander-Arnold (£8.4m), Ibrahima Konate (£5.1m), Thiago Alcantara (£5.3m), Jordan Henderson (£4.9m) and Sadio Mane (£11.8m) all lasted the full two hours against Chelsea at the weekend, with Luis Diaz (£8.1m) and a cramping Andrew Robertson (£7.3m) replaced in extra-time.

The only other medical update we got from Klopp concerned Fabinho (£5.4m), who is progressing “very well” but not enough to face Southampton.

The Saints’ manager, Ralph Hasenhuttl, gave us his own press conference hours before Klopp, revealing that Stuart Armstrong (£5.8m) and Fraser Forster (£4.4m) were fresh doubts.

227 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Live Scoutcast questions
    J0E
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    LIVE SCAST 8pm TUES

    Feel free to leave your questions here as we prepare for the final gameweek of the season.

    1. Crunchie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Find out during the evening (liver game) But...........

      Which attacking asset to buy in GW38 if you have none?

      Who will finish higher Joe , Palace or Brighton 🙂

    2. notlob legin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      If you have TC left who would you use it on?

      1. Cheeky Onion
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Son, Kane or James for me

        1. Kitman
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          Guess its the same question as "who to captain"?

    3. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Are players like Son, Kane, Vardy worth -4 hits each?

    4. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Can anyone beat 13 hits - 48 points (played FH but it did not apply when game updated) bugger!

    5. FPL Virgin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      How many hits is it acceptable to take in gameweek 38?

      1. DonaldDrapier
        • 4 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Zero hits as long there are no fires. Hits are for future prospects

  2. Mozumbus
    • 2 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    On WC.
    Is Chelsea defensive triple up too crazy?
    James Alonso Mendi
    Bottomed

    1. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      See better upside in getting at least one of their attackers mate. Look what Leicester did to Watford.

      1. Mozumbus
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Yes, that's the other option. Will most probably keep Mendy and Alonso, so it'll be between Lukaku and James.

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Watford can still score.

      1. Annie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        yeah two optimal as we aren't primarily getting them for CSs, defence has been hopeless recently.

  3. Baines on Toast...
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Pukki the third top scoring striker. Wow. Really need a big Mitro year next year.

    1. Cheeky Onion
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      He's 5th behind CR, Kane, Vardy & Toney; not to mention all the misclassed 'midfielders' that lead the league in scoring.

      1. The Mentaculus
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Check again... Even after 26pts in 2 GW Vardy is 8th

      2. Wild Card this!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Well he is 3rd in FPL amongst Forwards with 140 points.

        1. Cheeky Onion
          • 6 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          Ahhh yes, I was going with goals scored. Not bad at all for the fella!

    2. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Teemu Pukki baby!

  4. Cheeky Onion
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Which forward should I prioritize to transfer out for GW38:

    A) Vardy (SOU)
    B) Ings (mci)
    C) Richarlison (ars)

    Ings the obvious choice given the fixture, however minutes will be a concern for all of them and none of them have anything to play for if Everton can beat Palace. Might end up being whoever plays a full 90 on Thursday

    1. wulfrunian
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      If Everton wins Palace then i would sell Richarlison.

    2. No Kane No Gain
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Got to be B for many reasons

    3. The Mentaculus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      B

  5. jonnybhoy
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Best midfielder for 5.5m for GW38?

    1. wulfrunian
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Martinelli/Harrison for me.

    2. HashAttack
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Eriksen is you can find 5.6m

    3. Marjie
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Christian Nørgaard

  6. El Presidente
    • 4 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    I can't believe that no one at that press conference asked Klopp directly about Salah and VVD.... what are they there for???

    1. lilmessipran
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      As an fpl manager don't understand the fuss around it..we have already made our decisions for 37 and can't do anything about it. ..we will have another presser before 38 and maybe even leaked lineups

  7. Pepeye
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    SPORTbible poll 28,600 - Mosted hated team in PL
    Liverpool 41.6% Man Utd 35.1% Chelsea 14.3% Arsenal 9.0%
    Flags at half mast in BBC Sport Media City home of anything Red

    1. Grande Tubarão
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Utd are hated, adored but never ignored.

      1. DBW - Slug's Mortgage …
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        They've been ignoring success for the last 10 years.

      2. how now brown cow
        • 9 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        This isnt a dig but genuinely becoming less interested every season.

        Arsenal, liverpool and utd used to be the first fixtures I looked for when they were announced. Now its city, chelsea and west ham ahead of them too.

    2. DBW - Slug's Mortgage …
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Man Utd way more hated IMO

      1. Grande Tubarão
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        It’s mad though. I understand why everyone hates the other 3 but there’s literally no reason to hate Utd unless just jealous of their success. Not a fan btw

        1. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          You are kidding or creating clickbait.....lots of people admire Ferguson but dislike United....

    3. TanN
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      As a city fan I now hate Liverpool:Man United on a 60:40 ratio, used to be united I hate more but they aren't even a competitor anymore...

    4. Arteta
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Arsenal 4th. Nice.

    5. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Sportbible poll, most hated team in PL! Voted on mostly by people who very little about football, many of them sitting in their bedrooms on the other side of the world referring to Man Utd, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, Man City as 'we' behind their keyboards and get upset on YouTube if anyone criticises 'their' club. Real fabs go to games.

  8. STONEROSES
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Not xpecting much from any of them but which is best pick for GW 38?

    A. Dewsbury-Hall SOT
    B. Schar bur
    C. Weghorst NEW

    1. TanN
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      B

      Burnley don't score much

    2. mrelpea
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      A

    3. fish&chips
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      B

    4. Arteta
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Newcastle could keep a clean sheet and Schar probably has more or less the same attacking threat than these two, so I think you should pick him.

  9. TanN
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    In a bit of trouble here...

    Gone from being 110 points to 52 points ahead in my ML. I'm currently on 25 points, 2nd place is on 70 points and he FH so lots more doublers than me.

    Schmeichel
    Cash Trent Matip Cancelo Williams
    Son KDB Saka Mount Kulu
    Richarlison Broja Mateta

    2.2m itb, 1 ft

    My decision to not do Kulu -> Maddison has killed me, put off by the thought of a -12...I never learn

    1. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Relax and enjoy kulu hattrick v norwich.

    2. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      52 point lead is plenty with 1 GW left. Try going right up to Sunday deadl8ne before making any changes, lineups prob not as steady as other GWs, might have good team news by then.

      1. TanN
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Thanks guys. I wish we put money on in my league we are next season hopefully I'll win then as well...

  10. how now brown cow
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Ben Foster "leaving" Watford? Dont know if he means already played last game.

    Not playing might actually make him a better option for the weekend. 🙂

    Thanks for the bench boost Ben.

    1. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Be a good option for a club even as backup keeper. His pod's worth a listen too.

  11. Arteta
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    "Willock own goal and red card in the first half" clause activated.

  12. Jambot
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    For anyone thinking they are too far behind in their ML, I've blown a 100 point lead in under a week. You can do it!

    I'm going to find a dark corner to cry in now.

    1. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      I know I can blow a 100 point lead. It's making up a 50 point deficit that's my problem!

    2. fish&chips
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      I'm getting reeled in as well. Lead down to 14 points and it will be less if rich continues to outscore Ings this week. All set up for a final GW heartbreak after leading for most of the season. Haven't beaten the guy in 15 years either

      1. Jambot
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Ouch! The 15 years makes it more painful. Hope you pull it off and win

    3. Arteta
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      It's insane what a few different players and captain's haul can do.

  13. fish&chips
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Any priority moves here? I guess salah to KDB or son if he's out. Not sure anythings worth a hit

    Ederson
    Matip, alonso, Cancelo
    Havertz, mount, saka, Salah, kulu
    Kane, nketiah

    Dubravka, Schar, Taylor, broja

    0.8m ITB, 1 FT

    1. DelPiero10
        1 year, 10 months ago

        If Salah is fit I'd be looking at Havertz to Maddison or Jota/Diaz.

        1. fish&chips
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          Good shout, thanks mate. Would be a bit wary of no son but not easy to get to him without getting rid of Salah

          1. DelPiero10
              1 year, 10 months ago

              It comes down to Salah's fitness either way I suppose. Kane is also a great pick this week.

      • putana
        • 5 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        score prediction for today's game?

        ill go 3-0 arsenal. nketiah, saka, and ramsdale to score

        1. Indpush
          • 6 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          2-1 For Arsenals opponent. Who are they playing?

          1. TanN
            • 3 Years
            1 year, 10 months ago

            Newcastle
            The Toon
            The Black and White Army

            One of them

        2. TanN
          • 3 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          Ramsdale to score?!

          Hope not but would love to see a Saka hatty and nketiah red card

        3. HashAttack
          • 7 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          I want the score to be the other way around ... Wilson hatrick would be excellent

        4. Gunners in Haaland
          • 4 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          Schar goal, assist and a cleanie

      • Pepeye
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Foden banket to play v Villa Worth a risk

      • Pepeye
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        KDB also nailed on v Villa

      • Cheeto__Bandito
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Tsimikas will start meaning Trent will also start as Klopp said he cant bench both fullbacks at the same time after Newcastle.
        Or Robertson and Gomez but doubt it

        1. Arteta
          • 8 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          The best possible scenario would be that TAA and Robbo both start, get attacking returns and are subbed off in 61th minute with clean sheet still intact.

          1. Cheeto__Bandito
            • 3 Years
            1 year, 10 months ago

            the cramp sub for robertson and fact that Tsimikas played well recently makes me doubt it

          2. Arteta
            • 8 Years
            1 year, 10 months ago

            Of course this ain't gonna happen. My guess is Trent and Kostas after everything I've read/seen.

      • Weak Become Heros
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        If chasing, how does Rudiger Zaha out for Matip and Mount sound?

        1. lilmessipran
          • 11 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          Don't like either of those moves to be honest..both Zaha and Rudiger could do really well in 38

        2. mrelpea
          • 7 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          I wouldn’t get rid of Rudiger, but agree that if chasing Mount is a great shout. I kept him on until GW36 and after those heroics decided to FH in GW37 va 38, as originally planned, so that I could have him for GW38

        3. pingissimus
          • 5 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          The chasing move would be to do the reverse surely.

          Zaha an okay pick next week in a game likely to be a bit of a festival. Very good chance though that Palace field a couple of youngsters so that may even it up 😉

          Diaz/Sessegnon feels a possible combination in around that price bracket.

      • Zimo
        • 5 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Is it crazy that I've already kinda sorta thought of all the players I'll fit in my team next season other than the goalkeepers. Going on expected prices of everyone of course

        1. TanN
          • 3 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          yep give it a rest mate your making me feel unprepared!

          tbh I now I'll ditch Salah for Luis Diaz, and I know I'll have KDB Son and Haaland as my main premiums plus Robertson perhaps

          1. Zimo
            • 5 Years
            1 year, 10 months ago

            I'm only gonna have Haaland as my premium. (Maybe Son as well depending on price) I'm also ditching Salah for Diaz 🙂

            1. TanN
              • 3 Years
              1 year, 10 months ago

              The problem is there's going to be too many premium options next season:

              BrunoF
              Son
              KDB
              Kane
              Lukaku
              Haaland
              Sterling
              Mane
              Trent
              Robertson/James (can see them being 6.5 or 7.0 to start)

              It might be beneficial to stick with one premium and have a more balance team because lots of people will go for the 3/4 premium option and neglect good options in the 6/7/8 mil park (for midfielders)

              1. Scholes Out For Summer
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 10 Years
                1 year, 10 months ago

                I was leaning the opposite way, making sure which 2/3 premiums you have at one time will be key

            2. bench boost for every gamew…
              • 7 Years
              1 year, 10 months ago

              Thats a lot to have on your bench though. I bet he is injured for most of the season. Look at his injury record at Dortmund last 18month.

              1. Zimo
                • 5 Years
                1 year, 10 months ago

                Why would he be on my bench if he's injured?

        2. Arteta
          • 8 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          How's she looking?

        3. Cheeky Onion
          • 6 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          I though I was jumping the gun trying to plan my GW38 transfer

        4. HashAttack
          • 7 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          After Sheffield and Leeds, do we trust Brentford players for their second season

          Should Luton players be priced at 3.5m

        5. Indpush
          • 6 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          Not at all. It's fun. I begin doing that five weeks ago hahaha. I have certain players down that at this time I think I must have and then in the slots not decided on, two and in some cases seven choices to keep in mind.

      • Philosopher's Stones
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Pukki:

        2019/20 - 11 goals 3 assists
        2021/22 - 11 goals 3 assists, albeit with one game still to go

        1. DelPiero10
            1 year, 10 months ago

            The fact he's third of all forwards so far is outlandish.

            1. Philosopher's Stones
              • 3 Years
              1 year, 10 months ago

              Goes to show the state of forwards this year

            2. Big boy Bowen
              • 7 Years
              1 year, 10 months ago

              Shows I should have stuck with my gut at the very start of the season with Kane and Pukki upfront in a 3-5-2!

        2. simong1
          • 5 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          Best midfielder from the below to bring in next week (can only choose one)?

          A) Mane
          B) Diaz
          C) Mount
          D) Maddison
          E) Bowen

          1. Scholes Out For Summer
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            1 year, 10 months ago

            Mane, but obviously more expensive assets are better

        3. Mr. O'Connell
          • 11 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          Realised I've doubled up on Watford, Newcastle, Southampton and Villa attack in DGWs this season.

          King and Dennis: 3 points (5 with King (c))
          JWP and Adams: 8 points
          ASM and Wood: 8 points (12 with Wood (c))
          Ings and Coutinho: 4 points (so far, but not holding my breath)

          Think there's a lesson here somewhere...

        4. Dave2008
          • 3 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          Team 0 ITB and 1FT

          Schmeichel Foster
          TAA Alonso Dias Matip Cancelo
          Salah Saka Son Mount KDH
          Nketiah Watkins Pukki
          My mini league lead has basically gone and I expect the second placed team to make up the 17 points remaining with his differentials of Maddison Vardy C and Mykolenko vs my Dias Matip and Ings.

          A Salah and Watkins for Dias (Liverpool) and Kane -4 (He has Kane)
          B Salah and Dias (City) for Maddison and James -4 (He has James)
          C Salah, Dias and Watkins for Maddison James and Kane -8

          Obviously it will depend what his lead is as then I would have to maybe go more differential. His triple C D is a concern and I blocked that with Dias but then he went and got injured!
          His team is

          Ederson Steele
          Silva Robbo James Laporte Cancelo
          Salah(?) Mount Kulusevski KDH Gordon
          Kane Richarlison Wood

          Any thoughts much appreciated