James Milner and Virgil van Dijk updates as key Liverpool man to miss Aston Villa clash

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is hopeful that James Milner’s injury is not too serious.

The vice-captain limped off in the first half of Thursday night’s 3-2 loss against Manchester City in the Carabao Cup. Milner suffered a hamstring issue.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Klopp said: “Milly says it’s only a little, little thing but he felt something and just wanted to make sure it wasn’t getting worse. We have to see.”

Trent Alexander-Arnold did not feature at the Etihad Stadium due to illness.

Virgil van Dijk trained at Liverpool’s Kirkby base but also was not involved. The defender was left out of the squad after playing in all five of Holland’s matches at the World Cup.

Meanwhile, Ibrahima Konate helped France reach the final in Qatar. The centre-back has now been given some time off and Klopp admits he’ll return next week - which seemingly rules him out of the Boxing Day trip to Aston Villa when the Premier League restarts.

Klopp said: “Trent was ill, Ox (Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain) was until yesterday. Virgil was training at the AXA today. All the others should be available apart from the long-term injuries. The only one not here yet is Ibou, He will be back with us next week.”