Former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp has recently discussed the Reds’ defender Virgil van Dijk and his recovery from his ACL injury.
During the recent 2-2 draw with Everton at Goodison Park, the Dutch defender was injured after the Toffees’ goalkeeper Jordan Pickford collided with him (per Liverpool Echo).
While the centre-back has undergone successful surgery, there is still no timescale on when he will return for the Merseyside club.
However, although no return date has been given for Van Dijk, it is speculated that Jurgen Klopp will be without the defender for ‘much of the Premier League campaign‘.
In a recent episode of The Sky Sports Football Podcast, Redknapp discussed the Dutchman’s recovery when asked if Liverpool need to sign a replacement defender in January.
He said: “It’s a difficult one, and I’ve heard people say, ‘You’ve got to go out and get another really big signing because Virgil’s going to be injured.’
“Fingers crossed, if Virgil goes through all the right rehab and he’s fit, he’s not going to be too far away from maybe sort of March-time as a guess, February/March.
“Normally, [it’s] six/seven months. He’s an incredibly fit guy, he’ll be a good healer.
“See, you don’t want to bring in someone just for the sake of it for £40/50m because you know you’ve got someone coming back really quickly.”
TIF Thoughts on what Jamie Redknapp said about Virgil van Dijk…
As can be seen in what the podcast pundit had to say, he believes that Van Dijk is a “good healer” and estimates that he will be back in contention by “March-time”.
Should Liverpool sign defensive cover in January?
No, we don't need to
Yes, would be sensible
During the 2019/20 season, the 29-year-old Dutchman started all 38 of Liverpool’s Premier League matches; in fact, he was the only player in the Reds’ squad to do so (per WhoScored).
Not only was he ever-present, but he also delivered impressive performances, as a 7.32/10 average rating made him the third-best performer in Klopp’s side.
It is clear to see what a big miss the defender will be for Liverpool while he is sidelined, so hopefully, Redknapp is correct that he will be back long before the end of the season – but whether his lay-off will force their hand in the transfer market remains to be seen.