Van Dijk returns to Liverpool to take injury recovery to significant next step

Virgil van Dijk Netherlands

Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has returned to Merseyside from Dubai and is in the next step up in his injury recovery process.

The Liverpool Echo reports that the 29-year-old has begun work at the club’s new training facilities in Kirkby.

Van Dijk has spent a large portion of the last two months in Dubai at the Nad al Sheba complex. There, he worked with specialists on a specific programme to aid his rehabilitation.

However, he flew back ‘a few days ago’ and has now started another special regime in Liverpool.

Indeed, he is now in collaboration with club medical staff as he works on his return from a serious knee injury.

Van Dijk tore his anterior cruciate ligament in October’s 2-2 draw with Everton. As such, Liverpool did not place a timescale on his recovery and return to the pitch.

What’s more, that situation has not changed despite the latest progress.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp told reporters earlier this month that it is unlikely that the Netherlands international will play again this season.

'Unlikely Virgil van Dijk will play again this season' - Jurgen Klopp

'Unlikely Virgil van Dijk will play again this season' - Jurgen Klopp

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp admits it is 'unlikely' Virgil van Dijk will play again this season after suffering a knee ligament injury in October.

The German said: “No doctor told me there’s a chance for Virgil to play again this season. I don’t want to say it’s impossible but it’s not likely,” said Klopp.

“I think we have space for Virgil on the Champions League list. If we have space for it, then Virgil will be on the (Premier League) list.

“If there is no space, we have to make a decision, if he is on the list it is only because we hope for a miracle – that is it.”

Salah makes promise to Liverpool fans

Van Dijk’s injury, as well as the long-term issues suffered by fellow senior centre-backs Joe Gomez and Joel Matip, have affected Liverpool greatly.

While their defence has proved fairly stable in recent weeks, the dropping back of midfielders Jordan Henderson and Fabinho has damaged the club’s engine room.

Indeed, the Reds have only won two of their past 10 Premier League games and could slip outside the top four on Monday.

But Mohamed Salah has made a defiant promise to fans.

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