Joel Matip has suffered a severe knee injury, but Virgil van Dijk has pledged to assist him in recovering.
Matip, 32, will not be able to play for the remainder of the season due to an ACL rupture, which was discovered via scans. As a result, he will have surgery. Having experienced a layoff similar to Matip’s, Van Dijk has already reached out to his teammate to offer his support and understanding. Matip is in a particularly difficult situation because his current deal is set to expire in the summer of next year, which might potentially force Liverpool 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.”
Matip is probably going to miss the remainder of the campaign (Photo: AP)Liverpool is suffering a severe blow as a result of injuries, exhaustion, and schedule conflicts even if they are having an incredibly successful season. They are vying for the championship, juggling Europa League matches with domestic cup competitions, and will have a hectic December whereby rookie Jarell Quansah might see more defensive playing time.
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 ( Image: 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.
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“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.”