Jurgen Klopp has spoken positively of Virgil van Dijk’s continued recovery, but emphasised the long-term nature of the injury, as reported by the Echo (via Sunday World).
The Dutchman’s time on the sidelines follows a reckless challenge by goalkeeper Jordan Pickford in the Merseyside derby, which has left the defender with a likely return date for the end of the season.
“Virgil is a very positive person and since he overcame the shock of the actual injury, he is in a really good mood and working hard to get back,” Klopp said. “But this is a very long, long-term injury so it was still, I have to say, a crazy challenge which I still don’t understand. I don’t think about it, but you ask me and it comes up.”
As things stand, the No.4 is looking a major doubt for this Liverpool side any time sooner than the second-half of the season.
Given the severity of the 29-year-old’s injury, it would be hardly surprising if the Reds choose not to take even that risk until they were absolutely certain of his recovery.
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As far as we’re concerned, we’re hopeful that the German decides to dip into the transfer market to find a solution, particularly given Joel Matip’s recent injury woes.
We can’t afford to go into the next year without another senior centre-back to cushion the blow of Van Dijk’s and Joe Gomez’s continued absences.
With a host of quality defenders available on the market – some of whom Liverpool have been linked to – the club would be remiss not to take advantage.
And come March which ‘quality defender’ would you like to be fourth choice? If you were a ‘quality defender’ would you sign knowing that you would probably be a bit part player in the not too distant future?
It depends on who you are currently playing for. Most players would jump at the chance to play for one of the world’s biggest clubs rather than regret that when they retire.
You won’t believe it but our finishers are not world class apart from Jota. Since our youth players has convinced all and sundries that they are trustworthy, we have no need for a January import of defenders. We need one or two prolific finishers and we are good to go.
That’s negative thinking. Klopp has shown the willingness to give players chances- whoever comes in and does the job gets another chance. Look at Jota- if you are a player and you know you have quality and right attitude, no need to worry about being fourth choice
Need someone in the vein of a Thiago Silva coming in to support a Gomez or Matip. He has had a big impact at Chelsea. We have enough promising young defenders.