Liverpool journalist Matt Addison has shared some details on Reds defender Virgil van Dijk and the injury he picked up during Liverpool’s pre-season 2-2 draw against RB Salzburg earlier in the week.
This comes after Addison recently made an appearance on the Liverpool Echo’s Blood Red Podcast where he spoke about the latest news concerning the Merseyside club.
After Van Dijk was forced off the pitch after sustaining a cut to his forehead during the draw, Addison had this to say on the issue.
He said: “It’s just some bruising. It’s not going to be a major problem. I said yesterday, I’d be surprised if he didn’t start again at the weekend against Arsenal. I think he would have been taken off at some point during the friendly. The cut that he sustained isn’t going to be a bad one. It was just an ideal moment really to take him off and take no risk so he will be absolutely fine. I think for the weekend and beyond. There’s no real issue with him.”
Liverpool signed Van Dijk back in the 2018 January transfer window from Southampton for a club-record fee of £76.19 million.
Since then, the defender has gone on to make a total of 122 appearances for the Reds in which he has managed to score 12 goals and provide six assists along the way.
During his time at Liverpool, Van Dijk has helped his side win a Premier League title, a Champions League title, a FIFA Club World Cup and a UEFA Super Cup (per Transfermarkt).
Would you start Virgil van Dijk against Arsenal this weekend?
Yes, he will need to play
No, he should be rested
TIF Thoughts…
It’s great to hear that the injury Van Dijk picked up against Salzburg isn’t a serious one that could keep him out of action for the Reds as they prepare for the 2020/21 season.
The fact that Van Dijk, who is currently valued at £72 million, made a total of 50 appearances for Liverpool across all competitions last season just goes to show how important he is to the team.