Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson says that Virgil van Dijk has already sent an 'inspirational' message to the rest of the Reds squad - with Henderson backing the defender to come back an 'even better' player.
Van Dijk is set to miss at least the majority of this season, with no exact timeframe placed on his return to action yet, as Liverpool remain keen to avoid adding further pressure on his comeback.
But the Dutch centre-back is said to be in good spirits and it is thought that he is as positive as he could be at this stage of a long road to recovery.
In Henderson's programme notes ahead of Liverpool vs Sheffield United, the Reds captain said: "As was said most of last week, [Virgil is] the best defender in the world. Of course he is.
"I think I’d go further and say he’s in the running for the best player in the world, regardless of position.
"It was typical of Virgil that after digesting the news, one of the first messages he sent to us – all of us – was upbeat and inspirational.
"The exact content will, of course, remain private, but there wasn’t one word in there feeling sorry for himself. It was all about looking ahead and making sure he comes back better and stronger.
"Likewise when he came to Melwood on Tuesday he just radiated positivity. That’s the big man. And it’s on us to take his lead and only think about the positive impact we can all have from this moment on.
"Virgil will back with us in no time at all, I’m sure. Because he is such an extraordinary professional I know he will come back not just as good but better.
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"He’s the sort of character who will use the time out to learn and develop. But while we wait for him we don’t stop."
With Van Dijk out injured for months, the return of goalkeeper Alisson Becker cannot come soon enough for Liverpool fans. He could be back between the sticks within the next week as Liverpool face Sheffield United, FC Midtjylland and West Ham.
