Jurgen Klopp says he will give Virgil Van Dijk every chance to prove his fitness ahead of this afternoon’s clash with Chelsea.

The Dutchman has been sidelined for the past week with a rib injury which he sustained in the 3-0 win over Southampton, missing the Reds 2-1 defeat to Chelsea during mid-week.

It was widely expected he would again miss out this weekend at Stamford Bridge, however Klopp has now provided hope the defender could start against Maurizio Sarri’s side if he is able to prove his fitness.

“I will decide. If the player goes out and says ‘no chance’ then I cannot decide, but in all other situations I will decide,” said Klopp.

“Virgil will try everything to be ready. I know how it sounds but as long as you are not seriously injured, like broken or ruptured or a proper strain, then the boys play constantly with pain.

“And if you have no pain before the game, then you will have it after the first challenge. That’s how football is.

“It is important how you can deal with the pain and how strong is the pain, but if he is able to deal with it then he can play.”