VAN DIJK SO SORRY FOR CROCK MANE

BY DAVID ANDERSON VIRGIL VAN DIJK feels for his former Liverpool team-mate Sadio Mane as he battles to be fit for the World Cup – because he suffered the same heartbreak in missing Euro 2020.

Bayern Munich forward Mane is struggling to recover from a leg injury for Senegal’s opening game of the tournament against Van Dijk’s Holland on Monday.

“Of course I’ve spoken to him,” said the centre-back

(top with

Mane for

Liverpool), who was ruled out of the Euros because of a serious knee injury.

“I was feeling sad for him, first and foremost.

“I’m not happy in this case and I’ve been in that situation where I missed the Euros.

“We as players, we work so hard to get to this stage and he has been such an important figure in that group, for their country.

“I know for a fact that he will put a brave face on it, but it’s tough and I feel sorry for him.

“I just want to tell him that whether he plays yes or no, it’s going to be such a tough game.”

Van Dijk is not sure Mane (above being substituted after picking up his injury against Werder Bremen eight days ago) will win his race to be fit but warns

African champions Senegal will still be a threat without their talisman.

“I don’t think he will play, but they still have a fantastic team. We will prepare well for them and the whole tournament is going to be tough.”

Van Dijk is excited to play in his first World Cup at the age of 31 and says going through the agony of previously being sidelined by injury makes it even more special.

The

Holland captain will win his 50th cap against Senegal in what will be his first major tournament.

“I’m 31 now and I’m going to enjoy this as much as I can,” said Van Dijk, who flew to Qatar yesterday with his

Holland team-mates.

“Maybe it’s even better for me because of everything I’ve experienced.

“We also have a great group so I’m very excited about it.

“I’m a confident captain and with the quality we have, we can do well, but all we are thinking about right now is

Senegal.”