Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk is to have knee surgery, potentially ruling him out for the season.
Van Dijk had to be replaced during the Merseyside derby on Saturday following a hefty challenge from Jordan Pickford which went unpunished.
And Liverpool have now confirmed their star defender will undergo surgery on an what is widely reported to be an Anterior Cruciate Ligament injury.
A club statement read: "Liverpool FC can confirm Virgil van Dijk will undergo surgery on the knee injury he sustained during Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Everton.
"The centre-back damaged knee ligaments following an incident involving Blues goalkeeper Jordan Pickford after six minutes at Goodison Park.
"Van Dijk was required to be substituted and further assessment on the injury has revealed an operation will be needed.
"No specific timescale is being placed upon his return to action at this stage.
"Following surgery, Van Dijk will begin a rehabilitation programme with the club’s medical team to enable him to reach full fitness as soon as possible."
As eluded to in the statement, just how long van Dijk will be out for remains to be seen, but it is likely to be at least five months and the Dutch defender could well miss the rest of the season.
The news is a bitter blow for Liverpool with van Dijk a huge part of Jurgen Klopp's back-kine.
The Reds' defence was pivotal to their title-winning season of last. Armed with van Dijk, Liverpool conceded just 33 goals in 38 games last term.
They will now have to push on without their star centre-back and on the back of an underwhelming start to the season which has seen them pick up 10 points from five games.
