Liverpool's Dutch defender Virgil van Dijk leaves the field injured during the English Premier League football match between Everton and Liverpool at Goodison Park in Liverpool. Pic/AFP
Liverpool FC have confirmed that defender Virgil van Dijk would need an operation after damaging his cruciate knee ligaments during Saturday's 2-2 draw away to Everton.
van Dijk was injured in the sixth minute of the game after a bad challenge from Everton keeper Jordan Pickford and was pictured in the evening leaving hospital on crutches, reports Xinhua news agency.
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The club did not say when the operation will take place or how long the 29-year-old Dutch international will be out of action. Many predict he is unlikely to play again this season.
van Dijk's injury is a huge setback for Liverpool given that he had not missed a minute of Premier League football since September 2019 until Saturday's accident. The Dutchman played a vital role in Liverpool's first league title in 30 years.
The Dutchman's replacements include 23-year old Nat Phillips, who has only one FA Cup appearance for the club, and the promising but very inexperienced 17-year-old Billy Komentio. Jurgen Klopp also indicated that midfielder Fabinho could provide defensive cover.
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