Jurgen Klopp has provided a hugely encouraging injury update on Virgil van Dijk, saying his progress is “really promising”.
The 29-year-old has been absent for Liverpool since October, when he suffered cruciate ligament damage after a tackle on him by Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
Van Dijk has been an almighty loss for the Reds, with the injury having the ability to define their entire season.
Speaking to reporters, Klopp gave an update on the Dutchman’s situation, seemingly not completely ruling him out of featuring again this season:
I don’t know what is possible, and I don’t think I am the right person to judge it.
He looks really good. I spoke to him this morning on the phone, and he is in a really good mood. It’s all very promising, but I don’t know when he will be back.
For sure there are still a lot of stages to go and to clear. I had this injury myself, so I know. But for the time we are in, and for how long he is out now, and the rehabilitation, he looks really, really promising.
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This is extremely positive news for Liverpool, with the severity of Van Dijk’s injury meaning his long-term fitness was a concern.
It appears as though he is progressing excellently, however, and that he could return the same player as before – the best centre-back in the world.
The idea of seeing Van Dijk in action again this season is an exciting one, but equally, he must not be rushed back too soon. Liverpool need to look further down the line than just the next few months – if he isn’t ready, he should be wrapped in cotton wool until the new season.
