Virgil van Dijk is struggling with knee problems, he tells after the won FA Cup final in conversation with ITV† Due to a scoreless score after regulation time, the game between Liverpool and Chelsea was extended. In the end, manager Jürgen Klopp’s team won on penalties. However, the center defender did not experience the extra half hour and the penalty series, as he was replaced by Joël Matip before the start of extra time.
Van Dijk lets the camera know that he already suffered from a stab behind his knee in the first half. Although he still played the second half, he had to stop the game after ninety minutes of football. “I felt something with a sprint in the first half. I felt a stab behind my knee. I played on, but in the end I can’t take the risk for the team. I have to trust Joel. Hopefully it won’t be a big deal. We have to wait for the investigation,” said the the Dutch international.
Van Dyke off?? What is wrong with the Dutchman?
‘Hope it goes well’ @GullitR #ZiggoSport #MatchoftheDay #CheLiv #FaCupFinal pic.twitter.com/2ZQ5oMNpcb
— Ziggo Sport Football (@ZS_Voetbal) May 14, 2022
“What is Van Dijk going to do here?”, analyst Ruud Gullit wondered in the studio of Ziggo Sports when the stopper suddenly took his place in the dugout. “He’s going off! Jesus Christ… No, isn’t it… How crazy! I hope he has nothing. I really hope so. You know, Van Dijk is a player who manages his powers well. He’s not exaggerating. That’s why he has to get out. I hope it all goes well.” At that time, Gullit had not yet seen Van Dijk’s switch gesture.
It is very striking that Van Dijk went to the side. The captain is normally absolutely indispensable to manager Jürgen Klopp and has never been called off early in his first 49 games this season. The injury is of course a major setback for the Reds, who will play the Champions League final against Real Madrid on Saturday, May 28. In addition, the title battle with Manchester City in the Premier League has not yet been finalized.
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