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Virgil van Dijk has vowed to come back better than ever after Liverpool confirmed that the defender needs knee ligament surgery following his injury at Everton.
The center-back collided with Toffees goalkeeper Jordan Pickford just six minutes after the Merseyside Derby on Saturday afternoon, although the England stopper was not punished for what seemed like a reckless challenge.
In a statement on Sunday, the Premier League champions did not set a return date for van Dijk, although there are fears the center-back could be ruled out for most of the current season.
In a statement on social media, the Dutchman said: ‘I met with a leading consultant this afternoon to begin the process of planning the finer details of my rehabilitation after the incident (on Saturday).
‘Now I am fully focused (sic) on my recovery and will do my best to get back as quickly as possible.
“Despite the obvious disappointment, I firmly believe that within the hardships lies the opportunity and, with God’s help, I will make sure I return better, fitter than ever.”
Van Dijk has been a pivotal player in Liverpool’s rise under Jurgen Klopp and was always there for the Reds when they won their first Premier League title in 30 years last season.
The Dutchman, who won the PFA Player of the Year award in 2019, has not missed a Premier League minute in over a year, but is ready for a long stint on the sidelines after this setback.
The defender revealed that he will support his teammates in defending the Premier League title until he can return to the field again.
The statement continued: ‘In football, as in life, I think that everything happens for a reason and it is important to try to stay calm, whether you go through the ups and downs.
‘With the support of my wife, my children, my family and everyone in Liverpool, I am ready for the challenge that lies ahead.
“ I would like to thank everyone for the messages of support, it has meant a great deal to me and my family and now I will do my best to support my teammates in any way I can before the great weeks ahead . take my own recovery day by day. I’ll be right back.’
Liverpool players were quick to message the central defender on social media after the news was announced on social media.
Reds captain Jordan Henderson posted on Instagram: ‘The comeback is always stronger than the reverse … get well my brother, we’ll be waiting for you #YNWA’
Liverpool forward Mohammed Salah also wished Van Dijk a “speedy recovery”, while injury-prone Everton midfielder Yannick Bolasie also tweeted his sympathy for the Dutch defender.
The winger said: ‘I love jokes / rivalry at best, that’s what football is all about, but at times like these we have to put everything aside and never wish anyone bad.’
“I’ve been through this myself, so I know how he must feel right now … I wish you a speedy recovery @VirgilvDijk.”
Source: m.allfootballapp.com
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