Klopp: It's Just A Miracle That Makes Van Dijk Appear Again This Season

Virgil van Dijk (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - It took a miracle for Liverpool center-back Virgil van Dijk to be back on the pitch to help his team defend the Premier League title. The 29-year-old Dutch defender was injured against Everton last October.

Van Dijk needs knee surgery after being violently fouled by goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. British media have hinted this week that the defender may return to play in April. But different things were conveyed by coach Jurgen Klopp.

"None of the doctors told me there is a chance Virgil will play again this season. I don't want to say it's impossible but it is unlikely," Klopp told reporters ahead of the match against Brighton & Hove Albion on Thursday morning.

"If there is no room (in this squad) we have to make a decision. If he is on that list it is only because we expect a miracle."

"I think we have room for Virgil in the Champions League (squad) list. If we have space, then Virgil will be on that list."

Liverpool are adding new additions to the defense ahead of the transfer deadline by signing center-backs Ben Davies and Ozan Kabak, even as the club has been hit by even more bad news when Joel Matip also missed this season with a ligament injury to his ankle.

"I don't have the right words for it. It's a huge blow," added Klopp. "You lose players on the pitch and also people in the dressing room. Looks like he needs surgery. It's very tough."

"The last few weeks ... we have to consider our situation and what we have to do. We are looking into every league and then I saw Ben and was very interested. He's a very competitive player who is used to playing a lot of games."

"Ozan still needs a lot to prove his talent. He is now here with a stable team and we are doing a lot of things that can help him and he can help us."

After convincingly winning the league last season, Liverpool are third in the standings in this half of the season after collecting 40 points or four points behind Manchester City who have one game more and are one point behind Manchester United.

Meanwhile in the Champions League, the Reds advanced to the last 16.