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The Reds have announced that the Dutch defender received medical treatment for the serious blow he suffered against Everton earlier this month.
Virgil van Dijk underwent successful surgery on the knee injury that could see him miss the remainder of the 2020-21 season.
Center-back Van Dijk injured his ligaments in the early stages of the Merseyside derby on 17 October following a challenge from Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
The Dutch international had scheduled an operation on Friday to repair the damage, Liverpool announced.
“The planned operation of the Liverpool defender was carried out in London and carried out successfully,” read a statement on the website of the Premier League champions.
“Van Dijk will now focus immediately on starting his rehabilitation with the support of the Reds’ medical department. No deadline has been set for the Dutchman’s return to action.”
The former Celtic and Southampton player was instrumental in helping Liverpool end their 30-year wait to be crowned national champions again, scoring five goals in 38 league games last season.
Van Dijk’s absence has been compounded by the injuries of his teammates Joel Matip and Fabinho, the latter of whom was forced to return to play defense due to the lack of alternative options available to Jurgen Klopp.
Brazilian Fabinho came out with a hamstring problem during the first half of the Champions League win over Midtjylland on Tuesday.
Rhys Williams, 19, became a partner with Joe Gomez and could be ready to make his Premier League debut when Liverpool host West Ham on Saturday. He was the subject of praise from Klopp and his teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold after his performance against the Danish team.
However, Klopp has also singled out Nathaniel Phillips, 23, and Billy Koumetio, 17, as options to get to the bottom line.
The Hammers, meanwhile, have suffered their own injury setback; Michail Antonio will miss the game at Anfield with a hamstring problem.
Antonio has scored 11 goals in his last 13 Premier League games and has managed 39 in the competition in total. Only three players, Paolo Di Canio (47), Mark Noble (46) and Carlton Cole (41), have signed up more for the club in the competition.
David Moyes’ side is 12th in the table after six games, five points behind Liverpool, which is in second place.
