VIRGIL VAN DIJK suffered a World Cup injury scare after admitting he “couldn’t feel” part of his leg during Holland’s thumping win over Sweden.
The Liverpool captain helped steer the Dutch to a stunning 5-1 victory on Saturday night, but there was concern after he was left in discomfort following a heavy collision.
Virgil van Dijk in action tonight against Sweden Credit: Getty
Van Dijk was on target for the Dutch during their first match against Japan Credit: AFP
Van Dijk revealed afterwards that he temporarily lost feeling in his upper leg after taking a painful blow to the hip.
The 34-year-old insisted he does not believe the issue is serious, but admitted the sensation was a worrying one in the heat of the battle.
Speaking after the match, Van Dijk said: “I took a hard hit to my hip and I couldn’t feel my upper leg anymore, so that was a little bit crazy. But it was probably just a pinched nerve.
“I think it is not too bad, but we will see shortly.”
The Dutch skipper is expected to remain a key figure for ‘s side and is on course to make history in the next group game against .
Van Dijk currently sits level with Dutch legends Johan Cruyff, Giovanni van Bronckhorst, Frank de Boer and Ruud Krol on seven World Cup appearances as captain.
A start against Tunisia would see him move clear and become ‘s skipper with the most World Cup appearances in the nation’s history.
Van Dijk was not the only Holland star dealing with fitness concerns during the victory.
midfielder also revealed he went into the game carrying a knock after a collision in training earlier in the week.
De Jong admitted there were doubts over whether he would even be able to start the match, although he ultimately played his part in another impressive Dutch performance.
The midfielder said: “We had a collision at training, and I was also involved in that. I had sustained some damage from it, but in the end, it was okay. We’re going to see what the reaction will be, but I have confidence in it.”
For now, both players appear optimistic they will be available as Holland look to seal their place in the knockout stages after making it two wins from two at the World Cup.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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