[ad_1]
REUTERS: Liverpool took a major blow with the news that central defender Virgil van Dijk needs surgery on damaged knee ligaments in Saturday’s (17 October) Merseyside derby draw against Everton.
The Premier League champions confirmed on Sunday that the Dutchman, omnipresent in the league for the last two seasons, would need an operation, although they did not specify how long he would likely be absent.
Van Dijk was substituted early in the game when Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford made a reckless challenge in the area, leaving Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp furious.
LEE: Football: The last call from VAR denies Liverpool in the derby against Everton
“Liverpool can confirm that Virgil van Dijk will undergo surgery for the knee injury he suffered during Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Everton,” the club said in a statement.
“The center back damaged his knee ligaments following an incident involving Blues goalkeeper Jordan Pickford after six minutes at Goodison Park.”
Van Dijk has reportedly damaged his cruciate ligaments, an injury that normally requires months of recovery, which could rule him out for the rest of the season and at the same time deal a blow to the Netherlands ahead of next year’s Euro Cup.
“If you asked me at the beginning of the season who is the only player Liverpool don’t want to miss for part of the season, for me it would be Van Dijk,” former Liverpool midfielder Graeme Souness told Sky Sports.
“He’s the catalyst for everything they do. It’s a big hit and the last thing they needed.”
READ: Calvert-Lewin says Everton should look at the positives after the derby draw
Reigning league champions Liverpool are third in the standings after five games, three points behind Everton.
Van Dijk was bought for £ 75 million, a club record signing, and has played 50 games in each of the last two seasons with Liverpool.
Liverpool are also short on central defense with Joe Gomez and Joel Matip the only fit senior centers available ahead of a congested schedule in which they play six times in 18 days before next month’s international break.
Liverpool will start their Champions League group stage campaign at Ajax Amsterdam on Wednesday and Van Dijk’s absence leaves another hole in his back with goalkeeper Alisson Becker also sidelined with injury.
