Van Dijk's horror injury is 'WORSE than first feared and extends beyond the ACL'

The horror injury suffered by Virgil van Dijk in the Merseyside derby is worse than initially feared and extends beyond the anterior cruciate ligament, it has been reported.

Liverpool's defensive talisman was on the end of a heavy challenge from Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford in Saturday's derby, and it was initially claimed that he would be struggling to return much before the end of the campaign.

The Athletic's David Ornstein is now reporting that the injury extends beyond the ACL, meaning Van Dijk will not return until the 2021-22 season.

Speaking on his YouTube 'Ask Ornstein' feature, Ornstein said: 'It's my understanding that the damage to Virgil van Dijk's right knee is perhaps worse than initially feared and extends beyond the ACL.

'It would indicate that we won't see Van Dijk on a pitch until next season. He will now undergo surgery, exactly when we don't know.'

Liverpool have been keeping Van Dijk's condition under wraps since the derby on Saturday lunchtime, but it is understood the Dutch centre back is yet to undergo surgery.

Even more infuriating for Liverpool is the news that rival goalkeeper Pickford has escaped punishment entirely for the horror challenge.

During the game, a narrow offside call spared his blushes and saved him from the potential of being sent off, while in the aftermath it was confirmed that VAR also looked at the challenge and didn't deem it worthy of further action.

Van Dijk had to come off immediately and it is as yet unclear just how lengthy his absence will be, and how detrimental it will be to Liverpool's title chances.