'I couldn't feel my upper leg': Van Dijk suffers injury scare in win over Sweden

Referee Michael Oliver checks on Netherlands' Virgil van Dijk after he sustained an injury against Sweden
Referee Michael Oliver checks on Netherlands' Virgil van Dijk after he sustained an injury against SwedenReuters / Phil Noble

Virgil van Dijk admitted he suffered a worrying injury scare during the Netherlands' 5-1 World Cup victory over Sweden after a heavy collision left him temporarily without feeling in his upper leg.

The Liverpool captain experienced the issue following a blow to the hip but was able to continue playing as the Dutch side secured a dominant win.

Speaking after the match, Van Dijk described the unusual sensation and revealed there was initial concern over the severity of the knock.

"I took a hard hit to my hip, and I couldn't feel my upper leg anymore, so that was a little bit crazy," Van Dijk told NOS.

"But it was probably just a pinched nerve."

Despite the scare, the defender completed the game, providing reassurance to Netherlands and Liverpool supporters ahead of the crucial stages of the tournament.

 "I think it is not too bad, but we will see shortly," he added.

The Netherlands conclude their group-stage campaign on Thursday, against Tunisia, whom they'll face at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas.