Southampton manager Claude Puel has finally confirmed what many had already reported and believed: center back Virgil van Dijk is out for two to three months.
Speaking to the media, Puel said “He will not be available for many weeks, two or three months,” before going to on to say that they tried to sign a center back “but could not find a good opportunity in January.”
This is a big blow to the Saints, who will now be resigned to facing off against Manchester United in the EFL Cup Final at Wembley without their star player. Van Dijk had just been given the armband after Jose Fonte’s departure, and he’s been the go-to man for the Saints.
Van Dijk is a classy center back. He’s pacy, good on the ball, and is imposing in the air. He’s a huge miss. But Southampton do have some hope as they did come through the second leg of their semi-final tie with Liverpool without the defender.
Another possible option is Ryan Bertrand, who Puel admitted could play there if it was necessary. Regardless of what happens, it is sad to see that he won’t get to feature at Wembley after helping his side give up zero goals en route to the final.
