07 December 2023 , 12:05
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Virgil van Dijk has promised to help Joel Matip come back from his devastating knee injury.
Matip will undergo surgery after scans confirmed that he has a ruptured ACL which will rule the 32-year-old out for the rest of the season. Van Dijk knows exactly how Matip feels having gone through a similar lay-off and has already reached out to his teammate to offer his help and support. It is particularly tough for Matip because his current contract is due to expire next summer and it may also push Liverpool to move into the market.
Liverpool captain Van Dijk said: “It’s tough for everyone to take. I feel very sorry for him and his family. It hurts for all of us. I’ve reached out to him already. Joel is a fantastic player and has been for so many years for this club. As a friend, it’s difficult to see.
“Knowing what he will go through now over the next weeks and months, it’s tough. But we are here for him. Whenever he needs us, we will be there for him. First and foremost, let’s hope the surgery will go well and the route to getting back starts.”
Van Dijk went through a similar experience after a knee injury suffered in October 2020 while Joe Gomez also endured the same. Van Dijk said: “I spoke to Joe Gomez about it after we got the news. Me and Joey can relate. We know what he will go through and what his family will go through. It’s not easy. But he will get all the support from us as a team — that’s the least we can do and we will do.”
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Matip is likely to miss the rest of the season (AP)It is a hammer blow for Liverpool because injuries, fatigue and fixtures are catching up with them despite this turning out to be a hugely impressive season. They are in the title race, balancing Europa League games and in the domestic cups so face a frantic December in which youngster Jarell Quansah may get more chances in defence.
Van Dijk believes the academy graduate has a bright future at Anfield and will encourage him too take steps into the first team. The Dutch centre half added: “I think every time Jarell has had the opportunity so far he has done well.
Van Dijk suffered a similar injury in 2020 following a challenge from Everton's Jordan Pickford (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)“When the moment is there for him — like every other player who will come in when we rotate or have injuries or suspensions — they have to be ready. We still have Ibou and Joey, but Jarell is a very good option as well.
“For all the younger generation, if you are close to the first team and training with us, you have to soak everything in. He’s a good boy. He wants to learn and he is learning.
“If you told me at the start of the season he would be doing as well as he is doing, I’d say you were lying. We will see what the future brings for him but it looks quite bright.”