Liverpool's most recent campaign was largely defined by a season-ending injury suffered by Virgil van Dijk, who hasn't featured in a Premier League match since October 2020.
Almost a year has passed since his setback at Goodison Park and a new campaign is about to start, with the Dutchman in contention to take to the field according to recent comments made by Jurgen Klopp.
It looks like [he is available to start]," Klopp told LFCTV. "But we have nothing to rush in this department. We have to make a decision, but [he] looks really good. An intense season is coming up.”
Naming the world's best centre-back in a starting eleven will surely be tempting for the German this weekend, but there is enough reason to suggest that despite caution around his return, there will be no better time for Van Dijk to taste competitive action than on Saturday.
Liverpool are expected to govern proceedings against the Canaries and Daniel Falke is having to manage a series of absences within his squad, with the likes of Todd Cantwell, Milot Rashica, Grant Hanley, Onel Hernandez and others unavailable for selection.
Moreover, Norwich are a side that could be targeted aerially by Liverpool due to the lack of height and power amongst their ranks; Falke's men scored the second-fewest goals from corners in the Championship last year while also scoring the second-fewest number of headers.
They are very much a side who like to keep the ball on the floor when possible, with Van Dijk potentially able to offer a valuable threat from set-pieces after Pep Lijnders - Klopp's no.2 - highlighted the team's desire to improve that avenue to goals during pre-season.
Norwich will attempt to cause problems for the Reds, but Van Dijk could be presented with a favourable start before facing Burnley one week later, who are known for their desire to challenge opponents aerially.
Van Dijk will be needed to keep Sean Dyche's men quiet - especially from set-pieces - before Liverpool face Chelsea in their third contest - who are recognised as title contenders - with the Dutch centre-back likely to be up to speed by that stage having played the previous two games.
Klopp must be careful with arguably his most important player but if he's ready, the timing for Van Dijk appears to be as perfect as it could possibly get.
