Virgil van Dijk is having treatment after a painful calf knock against Manchester City, with the Liverpool captain aiming to be ready for Wednesday’s Champions League trip to LASK.
The Van Dijk calf knock came during Sunday’s 3-0 defeat at Anfield. Speaking after the game, he said he wanted to play if fit, while making clear that the final selection decision belongs to head coach Andoni Iraola.
Van Dijk calf knock prompts treatment before LASK
Van Dijk described the problem in comments reported by Liverpool.com and This Is Anfield.
“I had a little knock in the end on my calf, which is pretty painful, so I’m going home to get some treatment to be ready for Wednesday.”
That leaves a concern to monitor rather than a confirmed absence. His comments do not establish that he will miss the European game, nor do they guarantee that he will start.
Captain wants to play if fit
Asked about the possibility of a rest, Van Dijk stressed his willingness to keep playing. He said he was doing everything he could to be ready, but did not present his place in the team as automatic.
“If I’m fit and ready to play, I want to play. But at the end of the day, it is the manager’s decision, and we need everyone.”
The distinction matters with the Van Dijk calf knock: wanting to feature is not the same as being cleared to play. For now, his stated plan is treatment and preparation for the next match.
Liverpool turn their attention to Wednesday
The captain also urged Liverpool to move quickly beyond the disappointment of losing at home. In comments carried by BBC Sport, he warned that the away game against LASK should not be treated as an easy assignment.
Liverpool were level with City before Ryan Gravenberch’s dismissal changed Sunday’s match. Read our Liverpool 0-3 Manchester City report for the goals and turning point.
Featured image: Virgil van Dijk arriving ahead of a Liverpool match. Timmy96 / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)
