Liverpool have misplaced key centre-back Virgil van Dijk for ‘greater than a month’ on account of the hamstring damage he suffered in the course of the latest Premier League defeat to Brentford.
Van Dijk was pressured to come back off at half-time in that recreation after feeling discomfort. It was later reported to be worse than first thought, earlier than Klopp shared extra particulars concerning the restoration timeframe when he spoke to the media at a press convention on Friday.
“Virg was a shock for us and a giant blow,” the Liverpool boss stated.
“The analysis was fairly harsh. It is greater than a month, however I hope it goes fast. It is arduous, however for him he has performed an unbelievable quantity of video games lately.”
The expectation he might be out of motion for ‘greater than a month’ suggests not less than 5 weeks on the sidelines. Meaning Van Dijk gained’t play once more in January and sure gained’t return till probably the center of February on the earliest.
From now till 13 February, Liverpool are because of play 5 video games. Ought to there be any additional delays or different setbacks, Van Dijk may additionally not be again in time for one more fixture on 18 February. The Reds are additionally because of play on 21 February and 25 February as properly, probably as much as eight video games.
Van Dijk might be lacking when Liverpool host Wolves within the FA Cup third spherical on Saturday, with Premier League fixtures in opposition to Brighton, Chelsea and Wolves (once more) additionally nearly definitely too quickly. The chances are high that the Merseyside derby in opposition to Everton on 13 February additionally gained’t be attainable.
After that, Van Dijk has an opportunity of returning if Klopp’s predicted restoration timeframe proves correct. Liverpool face Newcastle on 18 February, with Actual Madrid enjoying at Anfield within the Champions League solely three days after, swiftly adopted by a visit to Crystal Palace.
As issues stand, Van Dijk needs to be again by the point Liverpool host Manchester United at Anfield within the Premier League on 4 March.
Anticipated to overlook: Wolves (7 Jan), Brighton (14 Jan), Chelsea (21 Jan), Wolves (4 Feb), Everton (13 Feb)
Potential doubt for: Newcastle (18 Feb), Actual Madrid (21 Feb), Crystal Palace (25 Feb)
