After a successful return to action in Liverpool’s friendly loss to Hertha Berlin in Austria, Virgil van Dijk said he is “blessed” for the support he has received throughout his extended injury layoff.
The Reds captain came off the bench in Innsbruck and played the final 20 minutes of the 4-3 defeat with fellow replacement Joe Gomez, who was also returning from a long-term injury.
Van Dijk said on Twitter: “285 days ago, I started on a journey back towards playing. It’s hard to express how I am feeling, but it’s important to me that I say I feel blessed to have had the support of so many incredible people.
“The surgeon, my physios, coaches and staff who have been with me in my corner since day one. My teammates for giving me energy and keeping my head up. The fans for their love, support and encouragement.
“And most of all, my family because without them, I’d be nothing. Thank you. The work doesn’t stop now. It’s only just starting. We keep going!”
