Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk to have knee ligament surgery, faces long spell on sidelines

Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk will undergo surgery on his right knee after damaging ligaments in a challenge by Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford during Merseyside derby, Premier League champions said on Sunday.

Liverpool did t give a timescale on Van Dijk's absence, but an injury of that nature will likely keep Nerlands international out for a long period.

"Following surgery," Liverpool said, "Van Dijk will begin a rehabilitation program with club’s medical team to enable him to reach full fitness as soon as possible."

Van Dijk was subject of a reckless lunge by Pickford in sixth minute of 2-2 draw at Goodison Park on Saturday.

centre back immediately came off after lengthy treatment and hobbled gingerly around field to changing room. It meant English soccer’s player of year from 2018-19 missed his first minutes of league action since September 2018.

Van Dijk has been a commanding presence at heart of Liverpool’s defence throughout team’s rise to top of English and European soccer in recent years.

(Im credit: AP)