Liverpool have been a dealt a huge blow with news that center back Virgil van Dijk needs surgery on damaged knee ligaments sustained in Saturday’s Merseyside derby draw against Everton.
The Premier League champion confirmed Sunday that the Dutchman, ever-present in the league for the last two seasons, would need an operation, although they did not say how long he would likely be missing.
Van Dijk was substituted early in the game when Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford made a reckless challenge in the box, which left Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp fuming.
Van Dijk has reportedly damaged cruciate ligaments, an injury that normally requires months of recovery, potentially ruling him out for the rest of the season while also dealing a blow to the Netherlands ahead of the Euros next year.
Liverpool are third in the standing after five games, three points behind Everton.
Van Dijk was bought for 75m pounds - a club-record signing - and has played 50 games in each of the last two seasons for Liverpool.
Liverpool are also short in central defence with Joe Gomez and Joel Matip the only fit senior center backs available ahead of a congested schedule where they play six times in 18 days before next month’s international break.
Liverpool begin their Champions League group stage campaign at Ajax Amsterdam Wednesday and Van Dijk’s absence leaves another hole at the back with goalkeeper Alisson Becker also sidelined with injury.