Liverpool have received potential good news regarding Virgil van Dijk’s fitness recovery, with an expert claiming his injury isn’t as serious as first feared.
The 29-year-old has been absent for the Reds since the middle of October, having suffered cruciate ligament damage in the 2-2 draw away to Everton.
Van Dijk may not play again this season, but a positive update has been provided by Dr. Rajpal Brar, DPT.
Speaking on 3CB Performance on YouTube, he revealed that the Dutchman doesn’t have a multi ligament knee injury, with surgery only undertaken on his ACL, which is seen as good news, saying:
What I learned is that he only had surgery on that ACL, which is critical information and a very positive indicator for his overall prognosis and return timeline.
For example, if he had needed surgery on his posterior cruciate ligament in addition to his ACL, that can extend the return timeline from the typical 8-9 months out to 12.
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This can only be considered a big boost for Liverpool and Van Dijk, with multi ligament damage a far worse scenario, and likely making his comeback date later.
The most important thing is that the Reds don’t rush the centre-back back soon, however, risking his long-term career.
Even if that means hampering Liverpool’s chances between now and the end of the season, they must play the long game and ease their star man back in slowly.
At 29, he can still enjoy several years at the very top, assuming he returns the same player.
