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Liverpool have taken a significant blow in defending their Premier League title following news that Virgil van Dijk will be out of the game for an extended period.
The Dutch defender was forced to retire during the opening exchanges of Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Everton in the Merseyside derby, when the score remained 1-0 after Sadio Mane’s opener.
A strong challenge from Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, which has been widely condemned, forced the central defender to leave the field.
Liverpool drew 2-2 in another fiercely contested derby at Goodison Park, where midfielder Thiago was also injured.
However, it is Van Dijk who will be the most significant loss, as the former Southampton man is now set for an extended period on the sidelines.
The full timescale of Van Dijk’s absence cannot be identified as much of it hinders how the Dutchman’s recovery progresses after surgery.
While he could still play for Jurgen Klopp’s team before the end of the season, it is too early to render a final verdict either way.
It is, of course, a huge blow to Liverpool and the defense of the Premier League title, with Van Dijk an integral part of the team that has won the Champions League and Premier League in recent seasons.
In fact, many believe that his signing was the turning point in Liverpool’s transition and many fans have taken to social media to express their thoughts on the situation:
Van Dijk’s first game on the sidelines will be in the Champions League against Ajax in the middle of the week.
After that, the Reds have a Premier League clash against Sheffield United next weekend.
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