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Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has vowed to come back stronger after his club announced he will undergo knee surgery and faces a battle to play again this season.
Van Dijk was injured in Liverpool’s 2-2 draw at Everton in the Merseyside derby on Saturday following a tackle by goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, which was left unpunished by match referee Michael Oliver and VAR officials.
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The defender was able to leave the field, but Liverpool confirmed that he suffered an ACL injury on Sunday and faces months of absence.
“Now I am fully focused on my recovery and I will do my best to be back as soon as possible,” he added. Van Dijk wrote on social media on Sunday.
“Despite the obvious disappointment, I firmly believe that within the hardships lies the opportunity, and with God’s help I will make sure I come back better, fitter, and stronger than ever.
“In football, as in life, I think that everything happens for a reason and it is important to try to keep your sanity 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.”
Liverpool sources have told ESPN that it is impossible to calculate a timescale in Van Dijk’s recovery period until the player has undergone surgery, but sources are reluctant to rule out a comeback this season.
Van Dijk has been influential for Liverpool since moving from Southampton for £ 75 million in 2018.
The Dutch international has helped the club win the Champions League and Premier League in the past two seasons, and won the 2019 UEFA Player of the Year award.
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