Dutch international centre back Virgil Van Dijk is a key figure in Liverpool’s defence and ever since making his switch from Southampton in January 2018 he has featured in every game for the reds winning a UEFA Champions league and Premier League title as well. The premier player of the year of the year 2019 will undoubtedly be a huge miss for the reds.
Liverpool’s Premier league title defence was rocked on Sunday with the news Virgil Van Dijk must undergo a knee surgery amid reports the Dutch Defender could miss the rest of the season.
Van Dijk hobbled off after a shocking challenge from Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford in a 2-2 draw in the Merseyside derby on Saturday.
“Van Dijk was required to be substituted after six minutes at Goodison Park, and further assessment on the injury has revealed an operation will be needed. No specific timescale is placed upon his return to action at this stage.” Liverpool said in a statement.
Prior to Van Dijk’s arrival, Klopp’s time at anfield had been beset by defensive collapses. Now the German coach must find a solution to the huge hole left in his defence without the chance to dip into the transfer market with the window not open again until January.
There are parallels with the serious knee injury that Manchester City centre back Aymeric Laporte suffered at the start of last season.
Without the Frenchman Man City’s title defence imploded paving the way for Liverpool to cruise to the league by 18 points.
Van Dijk’s absence is compounded by goalkeeper Alisson Becker also being side-lined by a shoulder injury. Without the Brazilian in goal, Klopp’s men have conceded nine times in the last two matches, including a historic 7-2 humiliation at Aston Villa two weeks ago.
The loss of Van Dijk’s aerial presence was obvious as Everton scored twice from headers to come from behind in a contentious derby at Goodison Park.
Liverpool have reportedly asked the Premier League for clarification on the use of VAR as not only was Pickford not dismissed, but Jordan Henderson’s late winner was ruled out for a dubious offside against Sadio Mane on review.
Klopp was also not happy with another reckless Everton challenge that earned Richarlison a straight red card for taking out the red’s midfielder Thiago Alcantara.
The Spanish International was able to compete the game but has also been sent for scans to discover the extent of a knee injury.
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