Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk undergoes successful knee surgery

No time-frame given on Dutch defender's return

Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk picked up a serious knee injury after this challenge by Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford at Goodison Park in October 2020. Reuters

Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool is tackled by Jordan Pickford in the Premier League clash. Getty

Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk is injured by Jordan Pickford in the Merseyside derby. PA

Virgil van Dijk limps off against Everton. EPA

Liverpool's Dutch defender Virgil van Dijk leaves the field. AFP

Liverpool's Dutch defender Virgil van Dijk leaves the field at Goodison Park. AFP

Liverpool's Dutch defender Virgil van Dijk leaves the field. PA

Liverpool centre back Virgil van Dijk has undergone knee surgery after he damaged knee ligaments in the Merseyside derby against Everton earlier this month, the Premier League club said on Friday.

Van Dijk was injured early in the 2-2 draw when he was at the receiving end of a reckless challenge by Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, which left Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp fuming.

"The Liverpool defender's planned operation took place in London and was conducted successfully," the club said in a statement.

"Van Dijk will now immediately focus on the beginning of his rehabilitation with the support of the Reds' medical department."

The club did not give a time-frame on his return, with the Dutch defender potentially ruled out for the rest of the season due to the nature of the injury.

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