Liverpool defender Sepp van den Berg faces another spell on the sidelines, which could affect his plans for a move this summer.
Van den Berg experienced a nightmare spell on loan at Schalke last season, with a serious ankle injury sidelining him for much of the season.
That blow – which required surgery – along with further setbacks limited the Dutchman to just nine appearances as his side were relegated from the Bundesliga.
Schalke remain interested in a new deal for Van den Berg, but there were speculations that he could move to Mainz or even remain part of Liverpool’s first team.
The first, however, was a role at the Under-21 European Championship with the Netherlands, until a new injury struck him earlier this week and forced him out of the squad.
The Dutch Football Association confirmed the news on Saturday, after which VoetbalPrimeur reported that Van den Berg had suffered a ‘muscle tear’.
Although the details of the injury are still unclear, there are concerns as the 21-year-old’s problem at Schalke is also described as ‘torn muscle’ and of course there is a risk of a recurrence.
Van den Berg has been replaced by Shurandy Sambo as the Netherlands take on Belgium, Portugal and Georgia in the group stage later this month.
It’s a blow for the player considering he started the tournament alongside Liverpool target Micky van de Ven.Instead, he will now undergo rehabilitation and is expected to report for pre-season at the AXA academy on July 8.
Whether or not he will stay at Liverpool remains to be seen. However, it is possible that this injury will affect his chances of getting another loan or even a permanent exit.
Van den Berg qualifies as a local player in next season’s Premier League, which could make him a more valuable asset to Jurgen Klopp and his staff in the future.
There is a possibility that he could then remain in place of Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams as cover for central defender and, on a push, right winger.
