Liverpool: Jurgen Klopp given major new Virgil Van Dijk boost
Liverpool have confirmed that Virgil van Dijk has undergone successful surgery on his knee in London.
The Dutch centre-back sustained what looks like a season-ending injury against Everton after almost two weeks ago following Jordan Pickford’s reckless tackle on him. Liverpool’s official website claimed that a successful surgery was conducted on his knee.
However, nothing has been said as to how long it’ll take for him to be back to full fitness. ACL injuries generally take a while to recover from so Van Dijk will most likely be side-lined for around seven months.
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A 35-year-old Giorgio Chiellini suffered a similar injury last season and he was back in less than six months. So, an earlier-than-expected return shouldn’t be ruled out. However, the last thing Klopp will do is put Van Dijk back in the team early. That could be a major risk and one the Reds will want to avoid.
The Dutchman’s injury is a major blow to our title defence as it leaves us with Joe Gomez and Joel Matip as our senior centre-backs. Both players spent a good amount of time on the side-lines last season owing to injury and the latter is yet to be fully fit to play.
Van Dijk’s injury could also be a huge blow to the Netherlands national team with the Euros coming next summer. However, Frank de Boer will probably worry less than Klopp given that there’s a good chance of the 29-year-old being fit enough to participate in the tournament.
Liverpool’s next match is against West Ham on Anfield and Klopp will most likely start Gomez and Rhys Williams who could make his Premier League debut if included in the playing XI. The 19-year-old had some game time in both of our Champions League fixtures while starting in the League Cup games against Lincoln City and Arsenal.
Following the match against the Hammers, Liverpool have two tough away fixtures against Atalanta and Manchester City.
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When do you think Virgil Van Dijk will return for the Reds? Can Liverpool cope without him?