Liverpool gaffer Jurgen Klopp talks about Virgil van Dijk’s injury situation
At first glance, it came through as a huge shock to see Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp sub out Virgil van Dijk at half-time against Brentford in the 3-1 loss to the Bees at the GTech Community Stadium. However, later revelations made it clear that it was a hamstring issue and the manager understandably did not want to take any risks with Virgil.
After meeting with a hamstring specialist as reported by the BBC yesterday, Klopp and the rest of the squad now know of the timeline wherein Virgil will sit out sidelined due to injury. A “harsh” diagnostic meant that the player will see himself out for a period of at least one month.
Speaking in the pre-match press conference ahead of the FA Cup tie against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Klopp informed the press about the situation and The Athletic’s James Pearce via Twitter put out a tweet on the same as well.
Even though it is certainly a huge blow to the Reds, Virgil himself would know that he was not in the best of forms and could have done with a bit on the sidelines, but benching him is not as easy as it sounds.
Depth in centre-back for the Reds
Ibrahima Konate, Joel Matip, Joe Gomez and Nathaniel Phillips give the gaffer a lot of options to choose from. Ibou and Matip will probably start the game against Wolves’ this weekend, with Gomez capable of providing an option at right-back as well. Phillips could act as the extra depth the Reds could bank upon in times of need.
Even though his injury situation meant that the Reds saw themselves linked with a number of top centre-backs from all around Europe, it is extremely unlikely that for a month, we sign a player who will eventually see himself benched after Virgil is back and fully fit.
As things stand, Virgil is set to miss the FA Cup game against Wolves, four Premier League games including Brighton away, Chelsea home, Wolves away, and the Merseyside derby at Anfield. He could be back to face Newcastle away from home on 18th February though.
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Hopefully, he is back in time for the all-important Round of 16 games in the UEFA Champions League against Real Madrid which could probably be the most important game the Reds will play in the entirety of the season.
