Liverpool have been dealt a major blow.
The sheer nature of the challenge. The way Jordan Pickford latched out at Virgil Van Dijk and stomped on the Liverpool defender would have made even the fiercest Reds supporters shudder. It was a challenge unworthy in a rugby game let alone on the football pitch.
The fact that it went unpunished is another matter.
However, more concerning for Reds supporters around the world will be the impact it had left on Virgil Van Dijk. The repercussions of the challenge looked dire.
The stalwart defender left the pitch walking. But the signs were far from convincing.
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There was a sense of foreboding in the aftermath.
The Liverpool defence looked a shadow of themselves in Van Dijk’s absence.
The cool and commanding presence at the heart of the Reds’ defence was non-existent.
Perhaps with the Dutchman at the back, the Reds would have avoided conceding both sets of goals.
After all, with Van Dijk in the side Liverpool had only conceded a single headed goal in the Premier League this season.
Against Everton that number tripled.
A long term absence of Virgil Van Dijk could be disastrous for the Reds. The Dutchman has not faced a significant time on the sidelines since his arrival at Anfield.
Sadly, Jurgen Klopp seemed far from hopeful in his post-match interview after the game when questioned about the extent of Virgil Van Dijk’s injury.
Speaking via Liverpool’s official website, Klopp said the following:
"“I don’t know [how serious it is], I don’t know, but it is not good.“Virgil played for us I don’t know how many games in a row. He plays with pain, he plays with pretty much everything, but he couldn’t play on. That’s not good.”"
Those are exactly the opposite of what Red supporters wanted to hear.
With vital games upcoming in the Champions League and with Liverpool needing to fight back in the Premier League, Van Dijk’s injury couldn’t have come at a worst time for the club.
Like Klopp said, Van Dijk is never one to not play a game. He plays through pain, however the fact that this injury prompted him to leave the field it suggests it could be a serious one.
The Reds’ supporters will now anxiously await the news and updates on the extent of Virgil Van Dijk’s injury.
Whether they will be able to cope in his absence, only time will tell.
Do you think Liverpool have what it takes to cope without Van Dijk?