Liverpool’s Merseyside derby clash with Everton was postponed last weekend due to Storm Darragh, throwing a wrench in the Reds’ festive schedule.
Whilst the unexpected Saturday off was good for squad fitness, the rearranged fixture later in the season could cause Liverpool some problems, with the Anfield side already having a hectic December slate with five games coming up in the next 17 days.
With Alexis Mac Allister also due to serve his suspension with Liverpool having missed out against Everton, Arne Slot will be without the Argentine international this weekend against Fulham, a clash that could be pivotal in the Premier League title race.
And captain Virgil van Dijk has now shared what he and the Liverpool squad were thinking after the Everton game was postponed.
Van Dijk does not see Everton postponement as ‘a gift’
Speaking to the press after Liverpool’s 1-0 win against Girona this week, the Dutch international noted that he and the Liverpool squad do not see their postponed game against Everton as ‘a gift’, with the Reds up for the derby at Goodison Park.
With no date set yet on when the rearranged fixture will take place, Liverpool will have to play the waiting game to find out when they can take on Everton in what might be the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.
And for Van Dijk, the Liverpool squad are not seeing the postponement as a lucky break, even with the weekend off giving the Reds time to bring back some players from injury and to better prepare themselves for what’s to come later this month.
Van Dijk said: “We did not see it as a gift. We wanted to play that game. I always want to play and get a result but unfortunately the game did not happen. It was the right decision in terms of the safety for the fans but we will meet and we have to be ready for them.”
