Van Dijk's long-term injury leaves title race 'wide open', says Carragher

Liverpool’s title defense is under serious threat now that they have lost their talismanic defender, according to a former Reds star.

A hotly-contested Merseyside derby on Saturday had many reasons for Liverpool to be distressed, one of which was the knock picked up by Virgil van Dijk.

The center-back’s pain was reflected by the expressions as he landed to the ground following a collision with Jordan Pickford. It became apparent that he had picked up a potentially critical injury as he, after receiving medical treatment for a few minutes, had to be replaced.

On Sunday, a confirmation was made by Liverpool that the Dutchman had sustained an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.

The club did not mention the timeframe for which he will remain sidelined but it is expected that the 29-year old could take several months to regain full fitness.

With one of their most reliable players out, it will not be surprising if Liverpool, who have been unimpressive so far this season as it is, struggle to return to their usual high standards.

A former Reds great even goes as far as to say that Van Dijk’s absence could see his former side lose momentum in this Premier League title race.

“Well, I think the big question you look at now, you think, [is] can Liverpool win the league without Van Dijk there?” he told Sky Sports.

“I think every team has three or four players in every title-winning team who think they can win the title, and if one of those players are missing, no matter how good your manager is, no matter how big your squad is, you can’t cover for them, they’re that outstanding.

“So I think it [Van Dijk’s injury] blows the title race wide open, I really do.”