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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Gareth Bicknell

Virgil van Dijk's determined message to fans as Liverpool star steps up recovery

Virgil van Dijk posted a message to Liverpool fans as the centre-half ramped up his rehabilitation from a serious knee injury.

Van Dijk was pictured in training on Friday, just five weeks after undergoing surgery on an anterior cruciate ligament injury which threatens to rule him out for the rest of the season.

The defensive colossus underwent a successful operation after being injured by a reckless challenge from Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford during the Merseyside derby on October 17.

It is not yet known how long the Dutch ace will be out, but Liverpool hope to have him back before the end of the campaign after being plunged into an injury crisis.

Van Dijk's defensive partner Joe Gomez has also been sidelined by a long-term knee injury, while Jurgen Klopp is without several other key stars ahead of Sunday's Anfield clash against Wolves.

Virgil van Dijk gave Liverpool fans a boost as he posted pictures of his latest training session (Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

But Van Dijk has now given his manager, his team-mates and Reds fans a boost as he stepped up his recovery at Liverpool's new state-of-the-art training centre in Kirkby.

He posted pictures of himself training to social media, along with the caption: "Working harder than ever."

The defender appears determined to defy worst-case forecasts and return before the end of the season as Liverpool look to defend their Premier League title and go level with all-time leaders Manchester United on 20 top-flight crowns.

Van Dijk looked in upbeat mood at Liverpool's new training centre (Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
The defender told fans he was 'working harder than ever' to get fit (Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Trent Alexander-Arnold is winning his battle to be fit for the visit of Wolves on Sunday.

The England international has not played since November 8, when he suffered a calf injury in the draw at Manchester City.

But the right-back took a full part in training on Friday night, as did midfielder Naby Keita, who has missed Liverpool's last three games with a thigh injury.

Meanwhile, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain continued to undergo strength and mobility work with Liverpool's medical team as he plots his comeback from a knee injury.

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