The Dutch international, 29, was hit hard in a collision with Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford during the 2-2 draw at Goodison Park earlier this month and suffered knee ligament damage.

"Van Dijk will now immediately focus on the beginning of his rehabilitation with the support of the Reds' medical department," read a statement on Liverpool's website, although the club has not specified a length of time for his recovery.

Manager Jurgen Klopp, who has seen his defensive problems intensify with Van Dijk's replacement Fabinho also sustaining a hamstring injury, insisted on Friday that he was "excited" by the challenge Liverpool now face.

The German said: "Maybe 'enjoy' is not the right word but I realised long ago that life is a challenge, and this is a challenge.

"If you overcame the first impression of the incident then it's all about solutions. The solutions I am excited about."

Fabinho is ruled out of their Premier League match against West Ham on Saturday and Klopp concedes Liverpool's packed fixture schedule makes them susceptible to picking up further injuries.

Yet in typically upbeat fashion, he added: "Do I see the challenge in the situation? Yes. Do I see it as an opportunity? Yes.

"But still we play games every three days and this will stay a challenge. I am fine, we are fine. We will deal with the situation and make the best of it. That's the plan."

Of Van Dijk's surgery, Klopp added: "After surgery - and it was successful, which is really the best news you can get - this time is always unpleasant.

"You don't just wake up and everything is fine, you still feel the surgery. But he's as good as can be.

"It's clear to say he is a quick healer. That's all clear, all these things help."

Australian Associated Press