Liverpool handed positive injury update ahead of the Champions League final

Virgil van Dijk has declared himself fit for the Champions League final on Saturday.

The centre-back has told Liverpoolfc.com that he is back to full fitness ahead of the clash against Real Madrid.

“Yeah, I’m fine, absolutely fine,” Van Dijk said ahead of the trip to Paris. “No issues and very excited for Saturday, of course.

“My body is definitely enjoying a little bit of rest after playing so many games, so many tense moments, and I think getting a little knock after the FA Cup final was maybe a sign that my body needed to have a rest.

“I feel absolutely fine now and looking forward to, hopefully, a special evening.”

Anfield Watch Verdict

With Van Dijk now being fit, it means that we will have our strongest defence available for the Champions League final.

Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold both featured against Wolves on the final day of the Premier League season, while Joel Matip and Ibrahima Konate partnered up in the 3-1 win at Anfield.

With Van Dijk also getting a full two weeks of rest, he should be at his absolute peak to stop the in-form Karim Benzema.

The Frenchman has scored 44 goals for Real Madrid in all competitions this season, with 15 of those coming in the Champions League.

If he scores two goals against the Reds on Saturday then he could equal Cristiano Ronaldo's record of 17 goals in a single Champions League campaign.

The fact that Van Dijk is set to start, Benzema's game plan will probably be to target the more inexperienced Konate, who could partner the Dutchman on Saturday.

Konate has started seven of the 12 Champions League games this season and with the speed that he possesses, it means that he'd be able to help Alexander-Arnold with Vinicius Jr.

Whatever happens on Saturday, it is bound to be a great game. Both sides are in the final for a reason.