Van Dijk: Blow to Liverpool As Defender’s Injury Worse Than Feared

• Virgil Van Dijk will be on the sidelines for a few weeks in a massive blow to Liverpool
• The towering defender was subbed off at half-time during the Reds' defeat to Brentford
• Jurgen Klopp initially quelled fears by saying he did not think VVD's injury too serious

Liverpool will have to find their spark without the services of Virgil Van Dijk, as the defender is set to be out for a few weeks with a hamstring injury.

Van Dijk, who featured at the World Cup for the Netherlands, lasted only 45 minutes on Monday in the Premier League clash against Brentford.

Reds boss Jurgen Klopp had said after the 3-1 defeat that he did not think the issue was too serious, and Van Dijk himself wanted to stay on for the remainder of the game.

However, The Times now reports that scans have determined the injury is worse than initially feared, and the defender could be out for several weeks.

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What this means for Liverpool

The injury blow to Van Dijk now means the Dutchman is set to miss a string of games for his side, across three competitions, as reported by The Mirror.

Liverpool face Wolves in the FA Cup third round on Monday, before a tricky trip to Brighton and Hove Albion on January 14.

It does not get any easier for the Reds, as they come up against fellow league strugglers Chelsea next, before clashing with Wolves again also in the EPL.

The last time Van Dijk suffered a long-term injury, Liverpool struggled to cope defensively. This time however, Klopp has it slightly easier as he has potential replacements at his disposal including Ibrahima Konate, Joel Matip and Joe Gomez.

Eddie Howe addresses Ronaldo links

Gakpo reveals Van Dijk chat before he joined Liverpool from PSV

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In other news, Sports Brief reported on Eddie Howe quashing reports claiming Cristiano Ronaldo had a so-called Newcastle United clause in his latest deal.

The report claimed the veteran would be allowed to join the Magpies on loan from Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, should the English club qualify for the Champions League next season.

Addressing the rumours, Newcastle boss Howe denied there being any clause allowing the Portuguese star to join his high-flying boys.