Klopp drops discouraging update on Van Dijk's injury return

The Dutch defender continues his prolonged spell on the sidelines following a serious knee ligament injury in mid-October

Jurgen Klopp insists it would be “nearly a miracle” if Virgil van Dijk is able to return to action for Liverpool this season.

Van Dijk last played for Liverpool in the Merseyside derby back in October. He was forced off the pitch after a heavy collision with Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford which saw him suffer cruciate ligament damage.

There have been speculations that the center-back could recover in time to feature at the back-end of the campaign after Klopp informed last month that the player was having a ‘promising’ rehabilitation process.

However, it remains ‘unlikely’ for the Reds fans to see Van Dijk on the pitch again this season.

“Whatever happens, I think we have space for Virgil on the Champions League list. I think he was on the Premier League list,” the German manager said in his press conference on Tuesday. “Nobody told me I have to change something with that. If we have space in the Champions League list then Virgil will be on the list.”

“In the moment, I don’t know where these things are coming from – nobody really, no doctor, nobody really told me there’s a chance for Virgil to play in this season again.

“I don’t want to say that’s absolutely impossible but it’s not likely. It’s not likely. We don’t have to discuss these things really.

“If we have space we would put them all on, even when all the medical people tell us there’s no chance. We put them on because we believe in miracles from time to time.

“But if there’s no place then we have to consider these kinds of things and say, ‘The chance is not too big so we have to make the decision.’ But if they are on the list then it’s only because we hope for nearly a miracle. That’s it.”

Joe Gomez also suffered a long-term injury while Joel Matip was also ruled out for the remainder of the season with a serious issue.

Forced to dip in the January transfer market to seek defensive reinforcement, Liverpool brought in Ben Davies from Peston and Ozan Kabak from Schalke on the deadline day.