Virgil van Dijk could return sooner than Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp suggested

Klopp does not expect Van Dijk Euro show

Jurgen Klopp was asked ahead of Liverpool’s match with Wolves as to his latest information regarding both Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez.  The pair have suffered serious knee injuries this season which has ruled them out for the most part of the campaign.

The German coach has confirmed seemingly that the pair would be unavailable for the European Championships as the Netherlands and England both hope for a successful tournament.

“It is not my decision but to be honest, the information I have at the moment is that it will be unlikely,” said Klopp when asked if they will play in the summer.

“So (it’s) not that I don’t let them go, because I don’t want to have to do that anyway, it is because of the extent of the injuries. We all hope they will be ready to start pre-season with us, that’s what we all hope. With Joel, it is pretty much the same.

“These are really serious injuries and it is now not about talking about which competition they play.”

Klopp said that Joel Matip looks to be even further away from a return.

“The two of them look better than Joel, as he is still in what looks like ski boots. Joe is not running, Virgil is already running but this is a real tough one.”

Van Dijk Euro decision not yet made

Despite Jurgen Klopp seemingly ruling out Van Dijk from playing at the European Championships, media in Holland have suggested that a decision on whether the former Southampton defender will play in the summer tournament has not yet been made.

‘Virgil van Dijk has anything but put this summer’s European Championship out of his mind. The central defender, who is recovering from a serious cruciate ligament injury and knee surgery, does not want to make a decision about participation until later this season,’ reported leading Dutch outlet De Telegraf.

The report goes on to point out that whilst Klopp does have the power to forbid him from playing for the Reds too soon, he cannot stop him joining up with the Oranje at the end of May ahead of the June tournament.

Frank De Boer has a number of options should the worst case scenario occur and Van Dijk cannot play. Stefan de Vrij, Joel Veltman, Mattjis de Ligt, Nathan Ake and Daley Blind can all deputise in Van Dijk’s stead. However the latter duo are also out with injuries at present.

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Source: 101greatgoals.com