Gini Wijnaldum Injury: Liverpool Star Injures Hamstring in Netherlands vs France

Versatile Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum suffered a hamstring injury while on national-team duty with the Netherlands.

The Liverpool Echo's James Pearce reported the Dutchman suffered the injury during a FIFA World Cup qualifier against France on Monday. He exited in the 62nd minute, making way for Bas Dost.

Wijnaldum was hopeful for a campaign that would be unblemished by fitness concerns at Anfield. It’s the midfielder’s first season on Merseyside, having joined from Newcastle United in the summer.

The player has impressed early in his Liverpool career, proving to be an effective presence in the middle of the park who's able to link play together and make darting runs forward into dangerous areas.

Another vital aspect of Wijnaldum’s game is his versatility. Manager Jurgen Klopp has always favoured footballers who can do a job in various positions, and the squad will miss that adaptability should the former Newcastle man be sidelined for a lengthy period.

In a potential silver lining for Liverpool, they at least possess a clutch of midfield men. Emre Can, James Milner and Jordan Henderson can all do a fine job in an orthodox central role, while in more advanced areas, Adam Lallana, Sadio Mane, Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino give the Reds desirable depth.

Wijnaldum may not be the most crucial cog in Klopp’s squad, but his energy and inventiveness on the ball will be missed in big games. The 25-year-old is renowned for his stellar fitness levels, so expect him to make fine progress in his recovery.