Virgil van Dijk is facing a race to be fit for Liverpool’s Champions League clash with Real Madrid due to the unexpected severity of his damaged hamstring.
The Netherland international was substituted at half-time during Monday’s chastening 3-1 defeat at Brentford and any idea that it was a tactical move by Jurgen Klopp was swiftly removed when Van Dijk re-appeared with strapping on his right leg.
Liverpool’s players had a scheduled day off on Tuesday but Van Dijk will be scanned to determine the extent of the problem and his club fear that he is now facing a lay-off that could run into next month.