Virgil van Dijk has addressed Liverpool’s injury concerns as they aim to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League.
The Reds currently sit eight points ahead of Manchester City, who visit Anfield on Sunday.
Under Arne Slot, Liverpool have won 17 of 19 matches since he replaced Jurgen Klopp in the summer, despite significant injury setbacks.
The Dutchman may be without six players for the clash with Pep Guardiola’s side.
While Trent Alexander-Arnold and Harvey Elliott recently returned from injury, Kostas Tsimikas, Ibrahima Konate, and Conor Bradley have joined Federico Chiesa, Alisson Becker, and Diogo Jota on the sidelines.
Despite these challenges, Liverpool have managed well, with players like Caoimhin Kelleher and Bradley stepping up in the absence of senior stars.
Van Dijk, while acknowledging the situation, remains focused on maintaining the team’s momentum and ensuring the injuries do not hinder their progress.
“Obviously it is down also to having not too many injuries, and we hope to keep it that way,” he said to Optus Sport.
“Injuries obviously are unfortunately part of football, but as long as you don’t have many injuries you can sort of build momentum.
“You can rotate when needed of course and give everyone the opportunity. The guys that have been coming in and having the opportunities, they have been grabbing them with both hands.
“We have to keep going. It’s such a long season still, we need everyone at their best, in form but first and foremost fit and playing consistently.”
On Caoimhin Kelleher specifically, he added: “Obviously it is never easy I think to be a second goalkeeper.
“But obviously he has an amazing goalkeeper in front of him in terms of Alisson Becker.
“But when Caoimh has been playing he’s been outstanding.
“He’s been full of confidence as a goalkeeper, with and without the ball. It’s a joy to have him behind us when he plays.
“He has to just keep going; he is a good boy, he knows he has to stay calm and keep working, and that’s a very important thing.”
In a separate interview with Viaplay, Van Dijk reiterated that there are no new updates regarding his future, with his contract set to expire next summer.
“To be honest, no,” he is quoted as replying, by Soccer News.
“There is no change at all, ” Van Dijk continued.
“There is no update at all, there is no news for the outside world.
“So, I have nothing to share at all. There is nothing at all, it is all not true.”
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