Henderson issues title challenge to Liverpool amid Van Dijk crisis

Jordan Henderson has challenged his Liverpool teammates to stay in the title hunt ‘however many months’ Virgil van Dijk is out for.

Jordan Pickford’s reckless challenge in last Saturday’s Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool left Van Dijk sidelined with cruciate ligament damage.

The Reds confirmed in a brief statement that the Dutchman needs surgery on his injury, potentially ruling him out for several months. Although they’re yet to provide a possible return date for him.

The impact of a potential season-ending injury for Van Dijk has left Liverpool’s season in disarray. Bookies have even removed them as favorites in the Premier League title race in favor of Manchester City.

Jürgen Klopp on Virgil Van Dijk's injury:

🗣️ "We will be patient and we will wait for him like a good wife who waits for her husband to get out of prison." pic.twitter.com/Cw8OrhHNAF

— Football Tweet (@Football__Tweet) October 20, 2020

But Henderson remains calm and has challenged everyone at Anfield to overcome the adversity.

“It’s a tough one. It’s a big blow for us,” the Reds skipper told the club’s website. “For him personally, obviously. But for us as a team, a massive blow.

“I’m just gutted for him. So, it’s been a tough couple of days, I spoke to him yesterday. And it’s a difficult moment, but that’s when you need to be there for each other.

“I’ll be there as much as I possibly can for him, I’m sure the lads will do the same and his family certainly will, to help him through the journey he’ll go on.

“But I’m sure he’ll be back stronger. In the meantime, we’ve got to do everything we can to help make us stronger and basically go and win as many games as we can for him, really.

“That’s down to us as players to make sure that when he is back and he is fit that we’re still fighting to be successful and fighting for trophies.

“You’ve got to use times like this to be stronger and to be even more together than we already are. And use it as a positive in some way – I know it sounds ridiculous at the moment, but that’s what you need to try to do. We need to try to look forward and try to help us in the next however many months Virgil will be out for.

“And also stick by him and be there for him whenever he needs us. But he’s a strong character, he’s strong mentally and he certainly will be back stronger and hopefully, it’s not too long.”