Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp reveals Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez are set to MISS Euro 2020 this summer to continue rehabilitation from long-term injuries picked up in the autumn
- Jurgen Klopp says Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez are unlikely to play in Euro 2020
- Both defenders were set to feature at this summer’s European Championship
- But Liverpool duo Van Dijk and Gomez picked up serious injuries in the autumn
- Reds boss Klopp remains hopeful the pair can return in the next pre-season
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has revealed Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez are expected to miss this summer’s European Championship because of their long-term knee injuries.
Van Dijk, the Netherlands captain, hasn’t played since October when he suffered anterior cruciate ligament damage against Everton and England international Gomez had surgery the following month to repair a tendon.
Both have started running as they follow their rehabilitation programme but neither are close to full contact training and Klopp says the priority is having them fit for pre-season training ahead of 2020-21 with the Euros starting on June 11 looking too early.
Virgil van Dijk (right) and Joe Gomez (left) are ‘unlikely’ to play in Euro 2020, says Jurgen Klopp
The Liverpool manager remains hopeful that the defensive duo will be available in pre-season
‘To be honest the information I have at the moment, it will be unlikely,’ said Klopp. ‘Not that I wouldn’t let them go but because of the extent of the injuries.
‘It’s not about talking which competition they can play in. As far as I know, and I am always open for positive surprises and they all of a sudden show up in training, nobody told me (they are nearly ready).
‘We all hope they will be ready to start the pre-season with us. These are really serious injuries.’
Van Dijk’s absence would be a huge blow to Dutch manager Frank de Boer while 23-year-old Gomez was desperate to feature this summer having missed the 2018 World Cup due to injury.
Both Liverpool defenders were set to be major figures for Holland (left) and England (right)
Liverpool are generally happy with their recovery alongside fellow centre-half Joel Matip who is also ruled out for the reason after suffering ankle ligament damage against Spurs towards the end of January.
Without the trio, Liverpool have struggled in the Premier League defending their title and face Wolves on Monday nine points outside a top-four spot.
‘The two of them (Van Dijk and Gomez) look better at the moment than Joel because he is still in his “ski boots”,’ updated Klopp.
‘Joe is starting running, Virgil is already running but this is really a tough one. We are completely over the moon when they are ready to train with us for the start of pre-season. The Euros, I didn’t think about it.
Van Dijk and Gomez are back in rehabilitation after picking up autumn injuries
‘I understand the wishes but we can not make this decision and we will not. It is just when they will be fit.’
Liverpool have lost their last six at Anfield but were boosted in midweek by winning their Champions League ‘home’ leg against Leipzig in Budapest to reach the quarter-finals.
Young centre-backs Nathan Phillips and Ozan Kabak are growing in stature allowing Fabinho to return to his preferred midfield position and Klopp is eyeing a strong finish to the season with the prospect of more Champions League glory.