Liverpool Given Major Boost After Virgil Van Dijk Given April Return Date

Reports have emerged claiming that Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk is set to return to first team action in April; a piece of news that will no doubt provide a massive boost in the club's Premier League title charge.

Van Dijk was on the receiving end of a dangerous challenge from Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford in Liverpool's 2-2 draw at Goodison Park in October.

The 29-year-old centre-back sustained an ACL injury in his right knee and was forced to undergo surgery.

It was predicted that the Dutchman would be sidelined for six to 12 months as he recovered from the injury.

Three months after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in the Merseyside Derby, reports have emerged suggesting that Van Dijk is all set to return to the first-team fold in three months, according to The Daily Star.

The Liverpool defender, who was pictured working hard in his rehabilitation programme at the AXA Training Centre in December, has recently been pictured training at the NAS facility alongside MMA legend Khabib Nurmagomedov.

He continues to rehabilitate in Dubai.

The latest injury news comes after club legend John Barnes suggested Virgil van Dijk's knee injury has had a 'psychological effect' on Liverpool this season.

"When you're so used to playing a particular style with a particular way with three hard-working midfield players, you've got van Dijk at the back who gives you that assurance, which allows the full-backs to go forward with conviction and be creative." Barnes told talkSPORT.

"All of a sudden, the psychological effects of Van Dijk not being there affects the whole team.

"So it doesn't necessarily physically affect the team in terms of what they do, but if you look at Trent Alexander-Arnold, for example, or even Andy Robertson, when Van Dijk is there they know they can go forward with conviction knowing that they're safe at the back.

"I don't think they're being as creative."