The removal of Virgil van Dijk due to a horror-injury inside the first 10 minutes of the 2-2 stalemate with Everton saw a scenario unfold that has been unprecedented for Jurgen Klopp over the previous two Premier League seasons: a back four totally absent of the towering Dutchman’s precence.
Van Dijk was forced to leave the pitch following a cynical challenge from Jordan Pickford which was totally overlooked by the refereeing officials.
The England No.1 connected with Van Dijk at knee height, leaving a talismanic figure for the Premier League champions writhing on the deck.
A Liverpool team without Van Dijk has been an outcome we haven’t had to become accustomed to in recent years given he has started in every PL match for the Reds since January 2018.
Defensively, it was a frustrating game for Liverpool as an outstanding performance was undermined by avoidable goals and questionable officiating from both the referee and those at the VAR headquarters.
As soon as Van Dijk was withdrawn, Liverpool just didn’t look as commanding defensively. The introduction of Joe Gomez saw Domonic Calvert-Lewin switch sides with the Everton striker fancying himself in an aerial battle with the Englishman.
Van Dijk’s absence also saw Liverpool concede from a corner, a situation that would have been avoided had he still been on the pitch.
Indeed it is presumptive to say that Michael Keane’s goal wouldn’t have stood if the former Southampton defender were still on the field but considering the Reds haven’t conceded from a corner in the league since December 2018 would argue otherwise.
Both Van Dijk and Thiago Alcantara have since been sent to hospital for scans on potential knee injuries ahead of the trip to Amsterdam to face Ajax in the Champions League next week.
It is not good,” Klopp said of Van Dijk’s injury. “Virgil played I don’t know how many games in a row, he plays with pain but he couldn’t play on and that’s not good.”
The Reds will continue to monitor and assess the severity of the respective problems as they count the cost from a dramatic afternoon at Goodison Park but the early signs are indeed worrying.
The Reds manager will provide a further update on Van Dijk when he faces the media on Tuesday evening in Amsterdam although it is safe to presume that he will not be in contention to feature against Ajax.
Liverpool haven’t had an injury this significant arguably throughout the entirety of Klopp’s five-year reign. It’s the kind of setback that has the potential to totally derail momentum and could oppose serious ramifications in terms of the team’s title credentials.
All we can do at this moment in time is remain hopeful. Until there is concrete evidence in regards to a timeframe or the severity of the injury, it is out of the manager’s hands.
One thing is for certain, however, the events of the 237th Merseyside derby will not be quickly forgotten and not necessarily for the right reasons.
- Liverpool handed major fitness boost ahead of Everton clash
- Were Liverpool and Edwards £60 million too ambitious this summer?
- Three reasons for Liverpool to swap formation for Everton clash
- Dayot Upamecano is someone Michael Edwards will not ignore
- Bringing in Joel Matip would be a bold change for Klopp this weekend
- Thiago and Keita combination has a chance to be special
- Why Joel Matip is the perfect solution to Liverpool’s recent defensive woes
- Is Takumi Minamino deserving of a starting berth against Everton?
- Diogo Jota may be Liverpool’s most exciting signing since Sadio Mane
- Liverpool stars react as Harvey Blair signs first professional contract
- Some Liverpool fans react as Michael Oliver confirmed to officiate Merseyside derby
- Thiago and Jordan Henderson could be the difference against Everton
- Diogo Jota may be Liverpool’s most exciting signing since Sadio Mane
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox
