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(Reuters) – Liverpool central defender Virgil van Dijk underwent successful knee surgery after injuring his ligaments against Everton and coach Juergen Klopp said on Friday he is looking for solutions on defense with Fabinho as well. offside due to injury.
Van Dijk was injured in the 2-2 draw earlier this month when he was on the receiving end of a reckless challenge from Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
The club did not give a deadline for his return, with the Dutch defender potentially ruled out for the remainder of the season due to the nature of the injury.
“The surgery was successful, which is really good, the best news we could get,” Klopp told reporters ahead of Saturday’s Premier League game against West Ham United.
“He’s as good as he can be … It’s clear to say he’s a quick healer and a pain reliever.”
Midfielder Fabinho, who has made it into the bottom four in Van Dijk’s absence, suffered a hamstring injury against Midtjylland on Tuesday and is unavailable.
Rhys Williams, 19, replaced Fabinho in the last hour and Klopp said he could be an option along with Nathaniel Phillips and Billy Koumetio, who have been training with the senior team.
“I can say a lot about his progress in the last few weeks or months,” Klopp said of Williams. “He was exceptional, he was already a very good boy when he got here.
“I realized a long time ago that life is a challenge. This is a 100% challenge … Problems are only there to find a solution. I see the challenge in the situation and I see that there is an opportunity.
“We play football matches every three days, so this will continue to be a challenge … We will deal with the situation and make the most of it.”
Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson is in good shape, however, and Klopp said he was withdrawn at halftime against Midtjylland in the Champions League to keep him cool over the weekend.
“I can count the games he has played and we have to try to get through the period,” Klopp added. “It’s intense and hectic, like December but every month. So we have to make these decisions.”
(Reporting by Rohith Nair in Bengaluru; edited by Christian Radnedge)
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