Toulouse v Liverpool: Virgil van Dijk misses Europa League tie in France


Colombia forward Luis Diaz (middle) is part of Liverpool’s squad for the trip to Toulouse

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has not travelled to Toulouse as the Reds look to secure their spot in the Europa League last 16 on Thursday.

Van Dijk is unwell but should be back in the squad for Sunday’s Premier League home game against Brentford.

Jurgen Klopp’s midfield options are reduced with Ryan Gravenberch (knee) and Curtis Jones (hamstring) missing.

Luis Diaz is part of Klopp’s squad as negotiations to free his father from kidnappers in Colombia continue.

With three wins from three Group E games, the Reds will reach the knockout stages by beating Toulouse again.

If Liverpool are victorious and Union SG do not win at LASK, Klopp’s side will wrap up the group with two matches remaining and avoid a knockout play-off in February.

Liverpool tightened their grip on top spot in the group last week when they continued their perfect record with a 5-1 home win over the French side.

“Virgil is a little bit ill,” Klopp said.

“It will not be a big thing but we did not want to have him on the plane, if some others have it as well.

“I have it a little bit but for me it is not a problem, that’s why we left him at home. He should be absolutely all right for the weekend.”

Netherlands international Gravenberch not being fit enough to travel, along with the continued absence of Jones, means Wataru Endo looks likely to start in midfield.

Harvey Elliott, who impressed when he came on as a substitute in the 1-1 draw at Luton on Sunday, is set to line up alongside the Japan international.

Alexis Mac Allister could start as he is suspended for Sunday’s game against Brentford, and Klopp also has Dominik Szoboszlai, Cody Gakpo and 19-year-old James McConnell as options.

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