James Pearce told Sky Sports News (31/01/21 at 11:15 am) that there is ‘certainly not’ an expectation that Virgil van Dijk will return to action for Liverpool this season despite certain reports emerging.
The Mirror print edition (page 68, 31/01/21) claimed that the Liverpool centre-back could be kicking a football once more by April.
Liverpool went through yet another central-defensive partnership on Sunday, as they recorded a 3-1 win at West Ham.
Whilst it was plain sailing at the London Stadium for the champions, it has been a tough ride since Van Dijk and Joe Gomez entered the treatment room.
Nonetheless, Athletic reporter Pearce has poured cold water over a potential Van Dijk return and stated that it’s not realistic to think he will be back this season, as he was told to share his thoughts on the reports that have emerged about Van Dijk.
“I think if Liverpool were to get any football out of Van Dijk this season then it would be a huge bonus,” said Pearce.
“There is certainly not an expectation that he will be back. What I have been told that he’s on course, in terms of his rehab, and nothing more than that.
“His target was, of course, to get himself back for the Euros. so I think it’s going to be close if we see him in a Liverpool shirt again this season.
“But I think the idea that he’s going to get back in March or something and play a huge role. I just don’t think it’s realistic when you suffer an injury as serious as the one that he has.”
Well, months after Van Dijk and Gomez’s injuries, it seems as though Liverpool are going to bring in a fresh face to help them at the back.
Even though at one point it seemed as though Jurgen Klopp and Co. were willing to run with the likes of Fabinho and Joel Matip, it seems as though their constant appearances into the treatment room has forced the club to push the transfer button.
And the name that is seemingly doing the rounds is that of Ben Davies from Preston, who is closing in on a move to Anfield, as reported by BBC Sport.
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