Van Dijk given morale boost by Clarence Seedorf in gym with rehab work

Virgil van Dijk was given a welcome boost by fellow Dutch legend Clarence Seedorf as he dropped in to train with the stricken Liverpool centre-back.

Van Dijk is rehabilitating his knee following the devastating cruciate ligament injury he suffered from a horror tackle by Jordan Pickford in the Merseyside derby.

He has been working hard and sharing progress updates with fans on his Instagram page.

And Seedorf posted a picture of the pair of them at Nad Al Sheba sports complex in Dubai.

He added the caption: 'Verified I joined the captain @virgilvandijk for some #training today! Happy to see his determination and hard work to be back on the pitch stronger than before!

'In these type of journeys, patience and focus are key to succeed. Keep it up my brother! Also thanks to H.H. #Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum @faz3 for the hospitality.

Seedorf has been retired from playing since 2014 and since then tried his hand at management with AC Milan, Shenzen, Deportivo La Coruna and Cameroon.

The former midfielder is of course best known for his time at AC Milan having joined the Italian side after stints at both Real Madrid and Inter.

Seedorf made 300 appearances for the Italian side, helping them win the Serie A title twice along with two Champions League crowns.

He  also represented Holland 87 times and scored 11 goals for the national team between 1994-2008.

Van Dijk has his injured right knee wrapped up in the image alongside the 44-year-old but Liverpool fans will be buoyed by his positive progress in the gym.

It remains to be seen whether the defender will be back in action before the end of this season and Jurgen Klopp has had to deal with an injury crisis at the back.

Joe Gomez is also out for the long term and Joel Matip has suffered another setback with an adductor injury.

Nat Phillips, Fabinho and Rhys Williams have all been required to step up in recent months but the Reds have stumbled of late, being held to draws by West Brom at home and then Newcastle away to give hope to the chasing pack.