Netherlands manager Frank de Boer has claimed Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk will be fit in just eight weeks’ time.
If accurate, the towering centre-half could return for the Reds in time for the Champions League final, should Jurgen Klopp and co. navigate the quarter and semi-finals.
Speaking to the press ahead of Netherlands’ World Cup qualifier with Turkey, de Boer said although he isn’t depending on him, van Dijk should be fit again in a couple of months.
“We know he has eight weeks left. I don’t know if that’s enough,” the Oranje boss is quoted as saying by VI. “I have spoken to him, he is back on the field. There can always be setbacks. A week or two of setbacks could mean he can’t play games for Liverpool [this season].
“Then I can imagine that they say: ‘Nice and nice, but you just focus on next season’. Ultimately, he must have a good feeling himself. I’m glad he’s on the right track.”
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While what de Boer has revealed is somewhat encouraging, we’d urge Liverpool fans – and Netherlands supporters – to take it with a grain of salt.
A torn anterior cruciate ligament is a very serious injury and some players are never quite the same even after recovery, so there is no chance risks will be taken with the 29-year-old.