When will Virgil van Dijk return for Liverpool? The Dutchman is closing in on his return after returning to training as the Reds are hit with a defensive injury crisis

Virgil van Dijk is one of Liverpool’s most important players, and as we approach the end of the season he is on his way back.

The Dutchman missed five games in 2023 with a hamstring problem but should be on the pitch soon.

In his absence, Liverpool have won an FA Cup third round game against Wolves, lost two and conceded seven goals, including five against Brighton in two matches.

Liverpool are the current FA Cup champions but won’t get a chance to defend it this year after being knocked out by the Seagulls.

And with the Reds stuck in mid-table and set to face Real Madrid in the Champions League, the sooner Van Dijk returns the better.

But when will he come back?

When will Van Dijk return for Liverpool?

The former Southampton man has given Liverpool a huge boost after he was pictured returning to the club’s AXA training ground on Thursday.

Van Dijk hasn’t played since sustaining a hamstring injury in Liverpool’s 3-1 loss to Brentford in early January.

Van Dijk struggled throughout the first 45 minutes and was taken off with the Reds trailing 2-0.

And later in the week, Jurgen Klopp confirmed that Van Dijk would be out for a long time.

Speaking to the press, he said: “Virg was a surprise for us.

“It was obviously a big blow.

“He didn’t feel great and I actually took him off because of the risk so it wasn’t clear maybe he would have tried [to keep playing].

“In the end, the diagnosis was quite severe and we are talking about weeks, more than a month.

“I hope it will go quickly but we have to see, for the moment he is not available and that’s how it is.”

Things went from bad to worse for Liverpool after Ibrahima Konate was ruled out with a hamstring problem that will keep him out for two to three weeks.

Van Dijk’s return to training couldn’t be more timely, but he trained on his own with the rest of the first team.

The 31-year-old is certain to miss the Premier League game against Wolves this Saturday, which will be shown live on talkSPORT 2.

However, Van Dijk is set to be back later this month provided he avoids a setback after stepping up in training – which would make the game against Newcastle a good bet for his return.

But the Merseyside derby against Everton on Monday February 13 could also be a realistic goal for Van Dijk.

Crucially, he should be available for that Champions League Round of 16 tie against Real Madrid at Anfield in just under three weeks.