SAN FRANCISCO, October 18, (THEWILL) – English Premier League champions Liverpool have confirmed publicly that Virgil van Dijk, their masterful Dutch centre back, has damaged ligaments in his knee and is most likely to miss much of the rest of the 2020/2021 season.
The Netherlands international will now undergo surgery on the injury sustained in the first half of the 2-2 Merseyside derby draw after a challenge by Everton English goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
The Reds were leading 1-0 at Goodison Park from a Sadio Mane goal after two minutes and 15 seconds, which is the fastest scored in this fixture in the Premier League era.
Barely three minutes later, Fabinho lofted the ball into the Everton penalty area where Van Dijk stood ready to pounce when Pickford lunged into the centre-back, completely missing the ball.
Pickford’s good fortune meant that he was spared the risk of a penalty and a possible card for the infringement from the referee, Michael Oliver, as Van Dijk was narrowly offside when Fabinho crossed.
Van Dijk received some on-pitch treatment but the tall Dutchman was unable to continue. He was seen walking gingerly down the touchline as Joe Gomez came on to replace him.
Concerning his condition, a statement released on Sunday by the Premier League champions stated, “Liverpool FC can confirm Virgil van Dijk will undergo surgery on the knee injury he sustained during Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Everton.
“The centre-back damaged knee ligaments following an incident involving Blues goalkeeper Jordan Pickford after six minutes at Goodison Park.
“Van Dijk was required to be substituted and further assessment on the injury has revealed an operation will be needed.
“No specific timescale is being placed upon his return to action at this stage.
“Following surgery, Van Dijk will begin a rehabilitation programme with the club’s medical team to enable him to reach full fitness as soon as possible.”
The Anfield club manager Jurgen Klopp said he had no clear view of the incident. He was, however, critical of the overall application of the VAR system for the derby, especially after a marginal offside call denied English central midfielder Jordan Henderson a late winner.
“I didn’t see it back, it took a while so obviously the offside was not too big and Pickford kicks him completely,” Klopp remarked about the injury.
“Then, the Henderson goal, it was the pass for Sadio, and I didn’t see offside. Maybe somebody can explain it to me. The picture I’ve seen was not offside.”
The loss of Van Dijk comes as Liverpool enter a packed schedule of fixtures until the next international break in November.
They play six times in the next three weeks, including UEFA Champions League games against Ajax, Midtjylland and Atalanta and a Premier League trip to Manchester City on Saturday, November 7.
THEWILL hopes they will cope in the absence of the imposing Dutchman.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
