Van Dijk tore his ACL and is expected to be out for the next seven to eight months. Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk tore ACL, could miss 7-8 months

By Erin Walsh | Last updated Oct 17, 2020 3:06 PM ET

The Premier League Champions Liverpool couldn't pull out a win on Saturday against Everton, and they lost an important member of their backline in a 2-2 draw at Goodison Park.

Virgil van Dijk was tackled by Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford in the opening minutes of the match and immediately was transferred to the hospital. The Dutch center-back was ruled offside as he tried to get a touch on a dangerous ball in the box when Pickford came off his line and crashed into van Dijk's legs.

According to beIN SPORTS, van Dijk tore his ACL and is expected to be out for the next seven to eight months.

Still no official word on Van Dijk's injury but early reports aren't looking good.#beINPL #PL #EVELIV HD11 pic.twitter.com/6G2FN6KyBF
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) October 17, 2020

Did Jordan #Pickford deserve to see a red card for this challenge on Virgil #vanDijk?

RT: YES

LIKE: NO

️: @TelemundoSports | #EVELIV pic.twitter.com/I0kV2eg3OE
— SiriusXM FC 157 ⚽️ (@SiriusXMFC) October 17, 2020

Liverpool reportedly asked the Premier League to investigate why Pickford's tackle was not looked at by VAR official David Coote.

The 29-year-old's injury means Joel Matip and Joe Gomez will be the team's starting center-backs moving forward.

Not having van Dijk for the remainder of the season would be a huge blow for Liverpool's Premier League and Champions League chances. Liverpool begin their Champions League campaign on Wednesday against Ajax and will face Sheffield United next weekend in the Premier League.

Erin Walsh

Erin Walsh is a Boston sports fan through and through. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Bridgewater State University and currently is in pursuit of her Master's Degree in Journalism from Northeastern University. Follow her on Twitter @ewalsh90

More must-reads: