Liverpool receive great Virgil van Dijk hint ahead of Man City clash

Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman delivered a hint on Virgil van Dijk that Liverpool will love. The Reds have Manchester City this weekend.

Gibraltar host the Netherlands tonight in a game that matters little. The Dutch will finish second in their Euro 2024 qualifying group - they can't catch France and are clear of Greece on head-to-head even if they lose.

And that will be noticeable at Anfield, who have two Dutch players in that squad. Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo are key players for Ronald Koeman - and Liverpool won't want them playing in Gibraltar.

They'd always prefer the players got rest, of course, especially in a game with nothing riding on it. But there's extra motivation for this round of fixtures as Liverpool play Manchester City on Saturday.

Injuries and fitness will play a big role in that one. City have all sorts of doubts and outs, while the Reds sit quite high in the injury table themselves.

They could use a helping hand from Koeman, then, and it sounds like they might just get it. The AD football podcast claimed an understanding that the Dutch boss would essentially swap his XI for this one, resting his key players. That would see both Van Dijk and Gakpo sit it out.

Koeman was then flatly asked whether he could rest Van Dijk against Gibraltar. "Possibly," he said.

No, it isn't much but it's a solid, positive hint when there are already suggestions Liverpool's captain could be rested. No one should rest assured until the teamsheet is out, but this is certainly promising.

Van Dijk, in particular, is having a tremendous season and playing his best football since the injury three years ago. He's absolutely vital versus City - and having him relatively fresh would be a welcome boost.

Hopefully, Koeman can find it in his heart to do the Reds a favour here.