Liverpool have confirmed Virgil van Dijk is set to undergo surgery after suffering an ACL injury against Everton on Saturday.
The news is a huge blow to the Premier League champions, with the defender now expected to miss most of the season following the reckless challenge by goalkeeper Jordan Pickford after six minutes at Goodison Park.
Van Dijk was able to walk off the field but a further assessment on the injury has revealed an operation will be needed. The Reds say no specific timescale is being placed upon his return to action at this stage.
It is a nightmare scenario for Liverpool. Van Dijk had not previously missed a minute of Premier League action since September 2019 and his influence on the team has been instrumental in them winning the Champions League and Premier League in the last two seasons.
The club are more hopeful summer signing Thiago Alcantara, who also had a scan on a knee late on Saturday after the high tackle which saw Richarlison sent off, is not serious.
— Virgil van Dijk (@VirgilvDijk)October 18, 2020
Liverpool have lodged a request with the Premier League asking for a review of the VAR decisions.
They have asked why Pickford's challenge on Van Dijk was not considered for a red card just because the Dutchman had been ruled offside by a replay and also for an explanation on the mechanics which saw Mane ruled offside in the build-up to what would have been a Jordan Henderson added-time winner.
Additional reporting by Press Association.
