Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk to see second specialist over ankle injury

Virgil van Dijk is to see a second specialist after injuring his ankle against Leicester

Virgil van Dijk is to see another specialist in the coming days as Southampton continue to assess the defender's injury.

The 25-year-old, so impressive for Saints since joining from Celtic in 2015, was forced off after a challenge by Jamie Vardy in Sunday's win against Leicester.

Van Dijk missed Southampton's EFL Cup semi-final second leg at Liverpool on Wednesday, yet Claude Puel's men secured a 1-0 win at Anfield to reach the Wembley final with a 2-0 aggregate victory.

Reports claim the Holland international is facing three months out with the ankle injury, but Saints have yet to confirm the severity of the issue.

"I don't know for the moment," Puel said when asked about the absence Van Dijk is facing. "I think it's an important injury. He has to see another specialist in a few days and we will see in the next days."

Southampton legend Matt Le Tissier was overwhelmed with joy as his beloved Saints defeated Liverpool to reach their first EFL Cup final for the first time Southampton legend Matt Le Tissier was overwhelmed with joy as his beloved Saints defeated Liverpool to reach their first EFL Cup final for the first time

Van Dijk, named Saints' new team captain following Jose Fonte's exit, expressed his delight at Saints reaching Wembley on Twitter.

"Un-believable! What a performance @jackstephens_18 !" the Dutchman said after Stephens shone on just his fourth Saints start. "So happy for the team, fans and everyone around the club! WE are going to Wembley!!"