Liverpool handed key triple injury boost for Arsenal showdown as Virgil van Dijk survives horror tackle
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Sport | Football
Arne Slot’s squad is close to full strength ahead of the Gunners’ visit
Bullet dodged: Van Dijk was the victim of a nasty tackle but came out without issue
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Arthur Ferridgejust now
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Virgil van Dijk has been passed fit to face Arsenal this weekend after he was the target of a reckless studs-up tackle from Anthony Gordon.
Liverpool had to fight to extend their perfect start to the Premier League campaign at St James’ Park on Monday night, requiring a 100th-minute winner from Rio Ngumoha to clinch a 3-2 win.
Newcastle did not go down without a fight despite playing the second half with ten men after Gordon was dismissed for a rash tackle on Van Dijk.
He caught the Liverpool centre-back high on his calf, but the Dutchman was able to play on.
Arne Slot has now confirmed he is fit to feature as the Reds host Arsenal on Sunday: “Virgil [van Dijk] is okay, which is maybe the main thing you would question."
That was not Slot’s only positive injury update, though.
He added that Conor Bradley, who picked up an injury in pre-season, has completed a full week of training, while Alexis Mac Allister has also returned following a minor setback.
“The positive is that Conor Bradley, only had one or two training sessions before the Newcastle game and he has trained all this week.
"There are two days to go.
Alexis has started training too.
I don’t think we had any injuries coming out of the [Newcastle] game.”
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Bradley appeared off the bench in the Newcastle clash, substituted on in place of Florian Wirtz in the 80th minute.