Liverpool have suffered a significant blow to their title chances this season as defender Virgil van Dijk suffered a serious injury during the Merseyside derby.
The club, via their official website, announced that the 29-year-old talisman will undergo surgery on his knee after damaging ligaments following a nasty challenge from Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, which went unpunished by referee Michael Oliver at the time.
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Van Dijk has been instrumental to Liverpool’s success in recent years, having played an important part in the Reds winning their sixth European crown in Madrid and ending their 30-year wait for a Premier League title.
The Dutchman was in with a shout of winning the 2019 Ballon d’Or award but just missed out to Barcelona’s Lionel Messi.
With Joel Matip struggling with fitness issues in recent months, this leaves Joe Gomez as Jurgen Klopp’s only centre-back with plenty of game time under his belt, with Fabinho being utilised as cover if required.
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Understandably, the reaction to the news was negative from Liverpool fans, with supporters fearing the worst for the rest of the 2020/21 campaign.
Fans mourn Van Dijk injury
Damn no top 4 😭😭😭😭😭
— Qweku_Dela (@SedziafaF) October 18, 2020
Going to cry
— Jordan 🏆 (@Jordan_LFC19) October 18, 2020
In tears thanks James
— Ray Von (@Howsonn) October 18, 2020
Nooooo
— Deborah kirwan (@k2_debbie) October 18, 2020
Wish him all the best
— Alonso (@titus_kilonzo) October 18, 2020
There are no words just tears
— Leanne Calder (@LeanneCalderLib) October 18, 2020
😔 heal well @VirgilvDijk
— Brown Eyed Girl JFT96* (@loltom29) October 18, 2020
Null and void the season
— OnlyBuilt4CubanLinx🇯🇲 (@OnlyBuilt4CL) October 18, 2020
So, Liverpool fans. What are your initial thoughts to Virgil van Dijk’s injury? Join the discussion by commenting below.
