LIVERPOOL: Netherlands and Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk is “as good as can be” after undergoing successful knee surgery, says manager Jurgen Klopp.

The Dutch captain damaged knee ligaments in a challenge with Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford on October 17.

His operation took place in London and Liverpool have placed no timeframe on the 29-year-old’s recovery.

Klopp said: “After surgery, a successful one, this time is always unpleasant. He is as good as can be, and that’s it. The surgery was successful, which is really good, the best news we could get.”

While the club have not committed to a period of time they expect to be without the Dutchman, anterior cruciate ligament surgery usually means a player will be missing for at least several months.

Meanwhile Klopp confirmed Liverpool will be without Fabinho, who has been deputising in defence in place of Van Dijk, for this weekend’s visit of West Ham.

The Brazil midfielder was substituted with a hamstring injury during the early stages of Liverpool’s Champions League win over Midtjylland on Tuesday.

Klopp said: “He will be out for the weekend and probably slightly longer.”

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