Liverpool News: Virgil van Dijk Tells Team-Mates Straight as Star's Surgery Fears Emerge

Liverpool FC faces a mounting injury crisis, with captain Virgil van Dijk urging focus amid fears over his own potential surgery and a defensive selection nightmare for manager Arne Slot.

Van Dijk, whose contract expires at the end of next season, has been pivotal despite Liverpool's struggles—five wins in 18 league matches leave them two points behind fourth-placed Manchester United. Slot sees "no reason" why the 34-year-old cannot extend his stay beyond 2027, praising his fitness and leading aerial duels (119, most among Premier League defenders).[3] Yet, whispers of surgery fears surround the star, echoing his past 10-month ACL recovery, as the team battles inconsistency.[2][4]

Post a controversial 2-1 defeat to Manchester City—marked by Dominik Szoboszlai's red card—Van Dijk told teammates: "We have to turn our attention to Sunderland. That will be a tough one." He dismissed notions of players "playing to keep their jobs," insisting the squad is "well equipped" for the Premier League demands, though admitting personal responsibility for recent losses like at Bournemouth.[1][4]

Defensive Crisis Deepens

Slot confirmed a right-back headache: Jeremie Frimpong (thigh, out until Feb. 21) and Joe Gomez (three weeks out) unavailable for Sunderland, with Conor Bradley sidelined for the season (knee).[1] Six defenders total are injured ahead of key clashes, forcing Slot's hand at center-back and right-back, including Giovanni Leoni (knee).[5] Recent £60m signing Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes offers hope, but injuries have left them short after missing Marc Guehi.[3]

Van Dijk emphasized turning criticism into performance: "The responsibility I feel is to turn it around and be the best version of myself." With Champions League progress as a boost, Liverpool eyes recovery amid the chaos.[1][3][4]

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