Jurgen Klopp has admitted that Virgil van Dijk would be out for sometimes after damaging his Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) in the Merseyside derby.

Van Dijk will undergo surgery, which is yet to be scheduled and is speculated to be out of action throughout the entire League season, although Klopp has dismissed reports on the supposed time frame for the defender to get well.

“A few things are clear, so he now will be out for a while, that’s clear. We don’t want to set any timeframe, to be honest, because each player is different and each individual is different and these possible timeframes are always for the x, y, z player [but] Virgil is Virgil and we don’t want to set any timeframe.

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“But he will be out for a pretty long time and that’s what the situation is. That’s what we know since… I expected it pretty much on Saturday after the game immediately, especially when I saw the challenge back. I saw it the first time only from the bench, and when I saw it back I was pretty clear that he will be out for a long time.

Van Dijk’s arrival has seen a transformation in the Liverpool defensive department which has aided the Reds in their triumph to conquer the world, Europe and England.

His versatility in the game has been overwhelming and his absence is a major blow to Reds in their Premier League title defence.

Klopp will need a centre back when the transfer window opens in two months time yet Fabinho would be required to either fill the void or Klopp would have to change his shape to involve midfielders, with three at the back. Klopp updated that he’s been in contact with the defender and the entire squad has his support.

“It all will start but we are in contact, of course, we are in contact. We are there for him, he knows that and we will wait for him like a good wife is waiting when the husband is in jail and will do, meanwhile, all what we can do to make it as easy for him as possible.”