Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk is set to undergo knee surgery after suffering anterior cruciate ligament damage in the Merseyside derby.
Van Dijk suffered the injury after colliding with Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford in the early stages of Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Goodison Park.
Van Dijk had to be substituted and was later sent for a scan, which exposed he would require surgery. No time frame has been put on his return but club sources are reluctant to rule out a return this campaign.
Van Dijk released a statement on Sunday night, taking to social media to say: “This afternoon, I met with a leading consultant to start the process of planning the finer details of my rehabilitation following the incident yesterday. I’m now fully focused on my recovery and will do everything I can to be back as quickly as possible.
“Despite the obvious disappointment, I’m a firm believer that within difficulty lies opportunity and with God’s help I’m going to make sure I return better, fitter and stronger than ever before.
“In football, as in life, I believe everything happens for a reason and it’s important to try and keep level-headed whether going through the highs or the lows. With the support of my wife, kids and family and everyone at Liverpool, I’m ready for the challenge ahead.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp questioned why no action was taken against Pickford for his challenge on the Netherlands defender.
“For me it was a clear penalty that I saw. Then obviously we saw the flag went up, so offside. I still thought it was worth a look on the foul but that didn’t happen,” stated Klopp. Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara was also sent to hospital for a scan after the match after being injured by a tackle from Richarlison, which resulted in the Brazil forward being shown a straight red card late on.
The Spain international is thought to have suffered an impact injury but indications are that it is not severe.
