Van Dijk injury worse than speculated, Liverpool defender might struggle on return

Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool were successful in pulling off a victory against AFC Ajax in ir Champions League opener in ir first 90 minutes in absence of Virgil van Dijk. However, Klopp will likely have to find a suitable solution to deal with his absence, as a recent report w suggests Van Dijk's injury may be more serious than thought earlier. 

Also Read | Van Dijk injury: Who can replace Dutch centre-back at Liverpool?

Van Dijk return to be prolonged? 

tests conducted on Van Dijk after horrendous challenge by Jordan Pickford in Merseyside derby revealed that he will have to undergo surgery soon. Although Liverpool put out stipulated time scale for his return on field, it was largely speculated that he might miss remainder of 2020-21 season. 

A report by Athletic insists that Van Dijk injury crisis is worse than earlier expected. It was earlier kwn that he had torn his ACL, but report claims that injury extends beyond mere ligament tear. Van Dijk might t be able to return on field at least until next season, suggests report, casting furr doubt on if Dutchman will ever be same again. 

Also Read | Liverpool to wait for Van Dijk like a ‘good wife when her husband is in jail', says Klopp

Liverpool players devastated after Van Dijk ACL tear

Liverpool players are yet to come to terms with Van Dijk requiring surgery. Georginio Wijnaldum claimed in pre-match presser that Reds are still devastated with injury. He went on to lash out at Jordan Pickford, claiming that his approach towards challenge was 'stupid'.

Although Wijnaldum does t cater to idea that Pickford wanted to injure Van Dijk on purpose, Liverpool midfielder insists Pickford's lack of empathy after tackle was clearly visible. He furr states that such incidents have become new rmal against Everton and pinned blame on Toffees for 'taking game way too far against m'.

Also Read | Wijnaldum unhappy with 'stupid' tackle that injured Van Dijk

With Van Dijk return prolonged, will Klopp go on with current Liverpool defenders?

Liverpool manr Klopp will w have to cope in absence of Van Dijk. Premier-League winning boss during a pre-match presser insisted that he arrived into season with three Liverpool defenders and a couple of youngsters. "It becomes difficult to provide game time to every centre-back," Klopp said, citing fact that position does t see much rotation. However, ir first 90 minutes without Van Dijk saw m defensively solid overall, with Fabinho particularly impressive at centre-back. Youngster Rhys Williams also featured in dying minutes against Ajax.  

Also Read | Man City defender Laporte sends wishes to Van Dijk after Liverpool star suffers ACL injury

Im courtesy: Virgil van Dijk Twitter