Virgil Van Dijk was subbed out in the 91st minutes of Liverpool’s FA Cup finale against Chelsea at Wembley stadium. Joel Matip replaced him, and the Reds won the game and the trophy via penalties.
Van Dijk said that the injury was likely to be minor and gave his explanation in a post-match interview. We’ll check it out. It was felt in the first half of the sprint that I did in the channel. He said that he played for 20 minutes with a twinge behind my knee.
“I played on, but in the end, it was too risky for my team. Joel [Matip] needs to be trusted. It will all be fine, I hope.”
For the upcoming Champions League final, and for the remaining two Premier League games, it is important to keep his fitness.
Jurgen Klopp didn’t seem to be too concerned when he provided an updateon Virgil’s and Mohamed Salah’s injuries.
He said, “Obviously, I spoke to both of them already after the game. Both are really okay. We really got through.”
Virgil enjoyed the well-earned win, however, while he was there in the thick reds’ FA Cup celebrations.
Despite two other injuries, Jurgen Klipp has ruled any major problem for Virgil van Dijk following his substitution in the FA Cup Final.
Liverpool battled for two hours against Chelsea at Wembley. After a penalty shootout, Liverpool won 6-5 to win the FA Cup.
However, the victory had its consequences. Van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, and Andy Robertson were all forced to leave due to fitness concerns.
Salah’s was the most concerning, with the Egyptian withdrawing midway through the first part with a groin issue. Robertson will likely escape a layoff following a suspected cramp.
Van Dijk should, however, avoid the treatment table. Klopp provided a brief update in a post-match interview with BBC Sport.
He said, “Virgil is fine. I think,” but was “a bit tired in his muscles.”
The Dutchman is most likely to miss the trip to his former club Southampton on Tuesday. However, the focus will be on the Premier League closer to home to Wolves, and then the Champions League final.
Joel Matip has replaced Van Dijk at Wembley. He should start at St Mary’s midweek. Joe Gomez could also be given a rare start at centre back.
Kostas Tsimikas may make a second start in the league to follow up his FA Cup-winning spot kick, although it is unlikely that Robertson will be risked.
It is almost certain that there will be some time before we can determine the extent of Salah’s injury. A scan is expected when Merseyside returns this weekend.
