Liverpool defender, Virgil van Dijk has undergone successful knee surgery to repair the anterior cruciate ligament damage he sustained against Everton.
This was confirmed by the Merseyside club. The Dutch defender sustained the injury in a collision with Everton goalkeeper, Jordan Pickford in the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park on October 17. The goalie escaped FA sanction, as it was seen as an accident that is not intentional.
“Virgil van Dijk has undergone surgery on the knee ligament injury he sustained earlier this month.
“The Liverpool defender’s planned operation took place in London and was conducted successfully. Van Dijk will now immediately focus on the beginning of his rehabilitation with the support of the Reds’ medical department,” read a club statement.
With no timeframe placed on the Dutchman’s return to action, Klopp had during a press conference revealed that surgery will be done.
“I can understand people are interested in that. Virgil was here, he’s OK. But about when the surgery will happen and stuff like this, I don’t think it makes sense that we give pretty much a time schedule every day.
“But it will be fine and will happen in an appropriate time. So, that’s it pretty much – he is as good as possible.”
In defense of the English number one, Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti says Pickford did not intend to injure van Dijk, adding that his challenge was ‘mistimed’.
The defender few days ago released a statement , saying he now focus on recovery.
— Virgil van Dijk (@VirgilvDijk) October 18, 2020
Liverpool continues season without van Dijk after successful knee surgery
Speaking further ahead of their next set of games without the Dutch captain, Klopp says the team must stick during the good and bad times.
His comment is following another injury sustained by Fabinho during their their 2-0 win over Midtjylland in the Champions League. The injury ruled the Brazilian out of the national team assignment and he was replaced in the squad by Everton’s Allan.
The latest injury has worsened Liverpool’s defensive problems when the makeshift centre-back suffered a suspected hamstring injury.
Rhys Williams has been drafted in as a replacement. The 19-year-old, who spent last season on loan at sixth-tier Kidderminster Harriers, played the remainder of the match against Midtjylland.
He is therefore set to make his Premier League debut against West Ham on Saturday.
Other options Klopp has as van Dijk‘s replacement include Sepp van den Berg, Nathaniel Phillips and Billy Koumetio.
It is now left for Klopp to assess their capabilities.
