“I got a knock…” – Liverpool star opens up on “very strange” injury scare after Club World Cup clash
Liverpool were handed a couple of injury concerns after several first-team players featured in Saturday’s Club World Cup action.
Four members of Andoni Iraola’s squad were in action as the Netherlands produced an emphatic 5-1 win over Sweden in Houston. Cody Gakpo scored twice, while Virgil van Dijk and Ryan Gravenberch also started for the Dutch. Alexander Isak led the line for Sweden.
Despite the comfortable victory, the match brought a few anxious moments for Liverpool supporters. Gakpo was seen wearing an ice pack on his right arm after being substituted, while Van Dijk looked to be struggling at times, although he completed the full match.
Speaking to NOS after the game, via Sportnieuws.nl, the Liverpool captain explained that he had experienced an unusual injury scare but believes it is nothing serious.
«“I got a knock on my hip and suddenly couldn’t feel my thigh anymore, which was a very strange sensation. It was probably related to a nerve. I don’t think it’s anything serious, but we’ll see.”»
His comments will come as a relief to Liverpool fans, who will be hoping both Van Dijk and Gakpo have avoided significant injuries. Although the pair showed signs of discomfort, there is optimism that neither issue will keep them sidelined for long.
The Netherlands’ commanding victory has virtually secured their place in the knockout rounds, giving head coach Ronald Koeman the option to rotate his squad for the final Group F match against already-eliminated Tunisia. That could provide valuable rest for players carrying minor knocks or those one booking away from suspension.
With the Round of 32 set to begin on June 29 or 30, leaving Van Dijk and Gakpo out of the Tunisia fixture would allow them extra time to recover ahead of the knockout stage.
Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola will undoubtedly hope Koeman takes that cautious approach. With Tunisia already out of the competition after conceding nine goals in two games, there is little reason to risk key players. The last thing Liverpool need is for a minor injury to develop into a more serious setback before the new season.
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