Liverpool 'handed Virgil van Dijk fitness boost'

Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk has reportedly begun 'light recovery training'.

The Netherlands international was forced to undergo surgery last month after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament during a heavy challenge from Everton's Jordan Pickford in the Merseyside derby.

Initial reports claimed that the 29-year-old would be out for the remainder of the 2020-21 campaign, but according to the Daily Mail, the defender is now undergoing a period of 'light recovery training' as he looks to work his way back from the knee injury.

The central defender is allegedly still facing an uphill battle to play again this season, but the latest developments will be viewed as a huge positive for the Premier League champions.

Van Dijk, who is also in danger of missing out on representing the Netherlands at Euro 2020, has been an inspirational figure for Jurgen Klopp's side since arriving from Southampton in 2018.

Liverpool could also be without Joe Gomez for the remainder of the season, with the defender suffering a serious knee injury during an England training session earlier this month.