Jamie Redknapp delivers optimistic prediction about Liverpool injury

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Jamie Redknapp has told Sky Sports podcast Pitch To Post that Virgil van Dijk could return as early as March due to the Liverpool defender being an “incredibly fit guy” – amid reports Joe Gomez has suffered a similar injury.

Van Dijk has been undergoing rehab since he was on the receiving end of a knee-high challenge from Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. There had been some belief that van Dijk could be out for the entire season.

Now, Gareth Southgate has confirmed that Gomez could join van Dijk on the sidelines – with the former Charlton man suffering a knee injury in England training. The Reds are awaiting scans on the Liverpool star.

Ex-Liverpool man Redknapp reacted to the injury to Gomez, as well as van Dijk’s absence, by considering whether Liverpool need to sign a new defender. But he reckons van Dijk could be back in just four months time.

“It’s a difficult one. I’ve heard people say that they’ve got to go out and get a really big signing because Virgil is going to be injured,” Redknapp said, when discussing the Dutch giant’s long-term knee injury.

“But if he goes through the right rehab to get fit, he’s not going to be too far away from coming back in maybe March or April time as a guess. Normally it’s six or seven months, he’s an incredibly fit guy and he’ll be a good healer.”

TBR’s view – Redknapp claim is big news for Liverpool

Van Dijk’s rehab will prove crucial in Liverpool’s decision to sign a new defender or not. Joel Matip has also returned to action after a spell on the sidelines, while Rhys Williams and Nat Phillips have impressed when given the chance.

Liverpool do have options. Fabinho could return soon, while Jordan Henderson played at centre-back in the Club World Cup against Monterrey. But Redknapp’s comments about van Dijk will be exciting for Liverpool fans.