Jurgen Klopp has explained that Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk is "making very good progress" with his injury.
The world-class centre-back has been out of action since suffering a serious knee ligament injury back on October 17 against Everton following a reckless challenge from goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and having to undergo surgery.
The Dutchman has been seen this week in the gym with AC Milan legend Clarence Seedorf out in Dubai while he also posted a message to Reds fans on New Year's Eve, telling them he'd see them back at Anfield in 2021.
"Good -very good," Klopp replied when asked how Van Dijk was getting on.
"I have no problem talking about Virgil van Dijk. The progress is very good but there is still a long way to go.
"That's how it is with this kind of injury. I'm happy when I see these videos because it shows he is making good progress but it will just take a lot of time, that's how it is.
"I would like to say something else but these are the facts unfortunately."
Liverpool will face Van Dijk's former team Southampton at St Mary's Stadium in their next Premier League match and they will be without a recognised senior centre-back for the game.
Joel Matip has been ruled out for at least three weeks and Joe Gomez is continuing to recover from a serious injury suffered in November too.
And given that the transfer window opens tomorrow, questions will not stop around whether the Reds and Michael Edwards should enter the market to purchase a versatile centre-half.
