Jurgen Klopp’s side will be looking to book a place in the quarter-finals of the EFL Cup when they lock horns with Championship club Preston North End on Wednesday.
As Liverpool prepare for their trip to Deepdale, the Lilywhites have been waiting to see if Van den Berg will be allowed to play against his parent club.
Addressing Van den Berg’s situation, Liverpool assistant manager Lijnders explained that it is only right that the Reds allow the teenager to feature for Preston on Wednesday.
Lijnders, who is excited to see Van den Berg return to Anfield with season-long Championship experience under his belt next year, stressed the need for him to play matches and suggested that Liverpool would be sending the wrong message if they barred him from playing this week.
“Of course, he should play, it is like if you want to be a chef, you need to spend a lot of time in the kitchen“, Lijnders told a press conference.
“So, what would be our message if we sent our players on loan to get good games and there is a good game coming and don’t let them play?
“We want to give young players opportunities and for Sepp, it is an amazing game.
“I’m in contact with him, he is looking forward to it because that’s probably the most important thing.
“It is exactly what he needed, a young centre-half, who is playing in a different position, but fighting in the Championship.
“If you can come out of that league, you’ll be ready for a lot, we can’t wait to see him in pre-season next year.“
Van den Berg has been a regular starter for Preston this season, making 17 appearances across all competitions and scoring two goals in the process.
