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Virgil van Dijk will play at Chelsea — by forcing himself through the pain barrier.

That was the prediction of Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, as he was left sweating on the fitness of the world's most expensive defender.

The Dutchman has a rib injury that forced him off last weekend against Southampton , but Klopp said before Saturday's third vs first encounter: “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 is how football is.

(Image: PA Wire)

(Image: PA)

“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.”

Van Dijk will undergo a late fitness test before the top of the table clash at Stamford Bridge, but Klopp was fairly obvious in his suggestion the defender was likely to play. And the manager explained the final call would be his.

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

Klopp is looking forward to another pulsating game of attacking intent, with Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri introducing a far more positive plan at Stamford Bridge.

And while that makes them more dangerous, the Reds manager also argued his team are guaranteed to have moments to win the game.

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“The Chelsea team of the last two years were perfectly organised, good defending on the highest level. Not bus parking, but a very good defensive team with world class players on the pitch,” he said.

“Now it is different. We will have our chances — each team has had chances against Chelsea so far.”

Klopp also has right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold and midfielder Gini Wijnaldum fit after midweek fitness concerns.