Virgil van Dijk could be set to return earlier than speculated following Jurgen Klopp’s comments about the defender “in a good mood.”

The Reds defender was sidelined with a serious injury after a harsh challenge by Jordan Pickford in their 2-2 Merseyside derby at the Goodison Park in October last year. Although the Reds predicted no time of recovery for the defender yet the mainstream media rumoured he could be out for the rest of the season, with other speculating his return at the latter part of the season.

The hard work continues.. pic.twitter.com/XGy2fqF9nG

— Virgil van Dijk (@VirgilvDijk) January 21, 2021

The absence of the 29-year old has cost the Reds in their attacking prowess as Manchester United, City and Leicester have overtaken the Champions on the Premier League table making the challenge a tough one for them.

His partner, Joe Gomez is also rehabilitating after undergoing successful surgery to repair a tendon in his left knee sustained at camp with the Three Lions whiles on International duty.

Liverpool could enter Thursday’s game with Joel Matip as he is available for selection. The Cameroonian's fitness has come under question in a time the club requires his services more than ever. He has missed the last four games with a groin injury including the crucial one against Manchester United where the Reds failed to catch up with the league leaders.

Speaking to the press on Wednesday ahead of the Burnley game, Klopp told that Van Dijk’s recovery is promising yet no time frame was given for his return.

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“I don’t know what is possible and what is not possible; I don’t think I’m the right person to judge that 100 per cent,” the Reds boss responded.

“He looks really good. I spoke to him this morning, I had him on the phone – he is in a really good mood. So it’s all very promising. But I don’t know when he will be back.

“There are for sure a lot of stages still to go over or pass or whatever. That’s clear. I had this injury myself.

“But for the time we are in and for how long he is out now, how long the rehabilitation is going on, he looks really, really promising. But that’s all.”

The manager has accepted the tough time his club is going through having failed to win five of their last Premier League matches. Out of 54 points, Liverpool have collected 34 – having lost twice and drawn seven times.

“We are on it, believe me. We take it really serious. And I can promise to everyone who is with us, we want to be as successful as possible, and that means more successful than in the last few weeks because we know we can be,” Klopp added.