Liverpool have suffered a massive blow, having lost defender Virgil van Dijk to a major knee injury against Everton on Saturday afternoon.
The Reds drew 2-2 in rather controversial circumstances as Jordan Henderson’s last-gasp winner was ruled out, leaving Liverpool apoplectic at the final whistle.
In the first half though, Liverpool lost defender Van Dijk as he was hacked down by Jordan Pickford, which went unpunished as the Dutchman was ruled offside in the build-up.
Liverpool have now confirmed that Van Dijk has suffered anterior cruciate ligament damage, meaning he is now unlikely to play again this season.
Liverpool will of course miss Van Dijk given that he is one of the top centre backs in the world, but the situation is even worse given that the Reds didn’t sign a replacement for Dejan Lovren over the summer.
Joe Gomez and Joel Matip are the only senior centre backs at the club, with Fabinho likely called upon as a makeshift centre back – but Liverpool do also have some youngsters at Jurgen Klopp’s disposal.
One of them is Rhys Williams, after the Preston-born teenager featured in Carabao Cup clashes against Lincoln City and Arsenal, showing real promise in those displays.
Reds fans have been taking to Twitter to suggest that Williams is a ‘mini Van Dijk’ and could make the step up to first-team football just like Trent Alexander-Arnold did under Klopp.
Others added that Williams could have a breakthrough season, with fans impressed by his cup performances and backing him for more football with Van Dijk out.
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