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Jurgen Klopp says Virgil van Dijk is making progress in his recovery from a knee injury, but admits that the Liverpool defender still has “a long way to go” in his rehabilitation.
The Dutch international underwent surgery after suffering a ligament injury in the Merseyside derby in October, but posted an update on social media earlier this week showing him stepping up his recovery with a session on an exercise bike. .
Klopp, who also has no defenders Joel Matip and Joe Gomez, is happy to see Van Dijk progress, but admitted that the nature of the 29-year-old’s injury means he still has work to do in his recovery.
Virgil van Dijk advances in his recovery from a knee injury
“Good, very good. I have no problem talking about Virgil van Dijk. He’s very good, but there is still a long way to go, that’s this kind of injury,” Klopp said.
“I’m glad when I watch these videos, to be honest, because it just shows that he is making good progress. But it will still take a long time, that’s right. I’d like to say something else, but these are the facts, unfortunately.”
However, Klopp was able to welcome Thiago Alcantara from injury in the goalless draw with Newcastle midweek.
The Spanish international made his long-awaited comeback as a substitute in the 73rd minute and displayed a variety of passes that immediately added a different dimension to the game, although he was ultimately unable to help breakthrough.
Thiago was hired in September in order for him to be the key to unlocking tight matches against defensive-minded teams, but Covid-19 and then a knee injury in the Merseyside derby in October restricted him to just a game and a half earlier. of Christmas.
The 29-year-old will be in Monday’s squad for the trip to Southampton and could be in line for his second start at the club, and Klopp is eager to see him continue to improve his fitness.
Thiago Alcantara returned from injury in the goalless draw with Newcastle
“We signed Thiago because we think he is a good player, so imagine that we would like to have him in the team, that is clear,” Klopp said of the midfielder, who has already made 184 passes in 152 minutes of football.
“Yes, okay, Thiago is a super player. Of the 20 minutes he played, 12 were brilliant and then he felt the intensity, which is normal.
“He [had] I only trained around the team twice, so there is still some physical work to be done, still some pace to be achieved. “
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