The Reds’ new No.4 makes his first start for the club in the 230th Merseyside derby – an FA Cup third-round tie at Anfield – after sealing a transfer from Southampton on New Year’s Day.
And while the manager sought to temper expectations placed on the centre-half, he revealed Van Dijk is primed and ready for a much-anticipated bow.
“It’s just a normal football game. We couldn’t do too much so far; Ragnar Klavan and Dejan Lovren played a lot of games in the last few weeks, and both have a little bit here and a little bit there,” said Klopp.