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Virgil van Dijk: Six players who returned from ACL injuries

Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk faces a long recovery after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury against Everton on Saturday.

However, some hope could be offered to the Dutchman by the examples of these players who all returned from long absences with similar injuries.

1. Alan Shearer

Alan Shearer celebrates after Blackburn Rovers clinch the Premier League title, 1995
An ACL injury early on in Shearer's career didn't stop him becoming one of the greats

Alan Shearer is probably the best example of overcoming serious ACL injury and going on to greatness.

During his maiden season with Blackburn Rovers, in 1992, he ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.