Virgil van Dijk begins light training after successful surgery for knee injury

Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk begins light training as he steps up injury recovery

According to a report by Daily Mail, Virgil van Dijk has begun light training as the Dutchman fights to play for Liverpool again this season, trying to recover from his injury.

Van Dijk injured his ACL in a nasty collision with Everton goalkeeper back in October when the Reds played out a controversial 2-2 draw against Everton in the Premier League. It was revealed that Van Dijk will miss the remainder of the season due to the resulting injury.

However, this news comes as a boost to manager Jurgen Klopp as there is now hope that Van Dijk could return to first-team action before the end of the season. There is no confirmation as to whether Van Dijk is ahead of his recovery schedule, but him starting light training is positive news for the Reds. (h/t Daily Mail)

Virgil van Dijk was been instrumental in our march to 4 trophies last year. (GETTY Images)

After undergoing a successful knee operation, Van Dijk confirmed in October that he had planned a rehabilitation schedule with a knee specialist. The defender has now begun ‘low-impact training’ to prepare his body for the more intense part of the rehabilitation process.

Liverpool face an extraordinary injury crisis, especially in defence. Apart from Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Trent Alexander-Arnold are also sidelined due to injury troubles. Youngster Rhys Williams was left out of the England U-21s squad this week following a hip problem.

This has left us with Joel Matip as our only recognized centre-back. Fabinho, who deputized at centre-back in van Dijk’s absence, has struggled of late with a hamstring problem.

Virgil van Dijk has started light training to prepare his body for the 2nd phase of the rehab. (GETTY Images)

Virgil van Dijk’s injury update gives us a faint glimmer of light through the murk of injuries. While we may not see the 2019 Ballon d’Or runner-up in action in the next few months, the prospect of him donning the Liverpool kit once again this season is sure to excite the fans.

Liverpool welcome league leaders Leicester City this weekend. Amidst the injury issues at the back, Jurgen Klopp may have to start the inexperienced 23-year-old Nathaniel Phillips in defence alongside Joel Matip.