Liverpool player suffers another setback after long-awaited return from injury

Liverpool defender Sepp van den Berg has suffered an injury setback.

Despite Liverpool’s 7-0 mauling of Manchester United last Sunday, it’s been a tumultuous season for Jurgen Klopp’s side, plagued by injury and poor form.

However, the Reds have enjoyed an improvement in results in the past month that has coincided with the return of key first-teamers.

Diogo Jota, who had been hampered by two injuries this term, including a calf problem that sidelined him for four months, made his return to the Reds’ line-up last month.

Moreover, Luis Diaz is coming to the end of his rehabilitation period, having been sidelined since October with a knee injury. On-loan midfielder Arthur Melo has also returned to first-team training having suffered a thigh injury five months ago.

However, one player that will not be making an imminent first-team appearance is Van den Berg.

Van den Berg's injury

Van den Berg, on loan at Schalke, made a promising start to life in Germany, only to be ruled out for five months in October with an ankle ligament.

On Saturday the defender made a long-awaited return to action for Schalke II, the club’s reserve side, but scored a comical own goal in the first half.

And the Dutchman’s bad luck has continued with a new injury setback.

Van den Berg suffered a twisted ankle in training earlier this week and faces another spell on the sidelines.

On Thursday Schalke manager Thomas Reis explained: “None of the injured players will return.”

Speaking to reporters before Saturday’s Revierderby against Dortmund, Reis added: “Sepp van den Berg has suffered a slight setback, but we’re just being cautious with him.”

So far since joining Schalke the 21-year-old has played just four times for the first team. Indeed, while he was named in the provisional Netherland under-21 squad for this month, his latest setback will likely see him omitted.