Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Liverpool news: Paul Merson makes worrying Virgil van Dijk injury claim
LIVERPOOL losing Virgil van Dijk to injury this season would be the equivalent of Tottenham being without Harry Kane.
Virgil Van Dijk is league's player of the season so far says expert
That is the opinion of Sky Sports pundit and former Arsenal forward Paul Merson.
Van Dijk has started every single game for Liverpool in the Premier League so far this season.
He has played a big part in Jurgen Klopp’s side opening up a four-point gap at the top of the table over second-placed Manchester City.
But Merson is worried for Liverpool if they suffer any injuries to their key players.
If Van Dijk got injured wow, that’s the equivalent of Harry Kane getting injured
When discussing Kane’s injury, which is set to keep the Tottenham man out until March, Merson said Liverpool do not have the squad to compete in every competition.
“You talk about Tottenham’s squad, I don’t think Liverpool’s got a great, massive, squad,” Merson said.
“If [Mohamed] Salah got injured or [Roberto] Firmino or [Sadio] Mane, defensive injuries.
“If Van Dijk got injured wow, that’s the equivalent of Harry Kane getting injured.”
Merson believes it was a blessing in disguise Liverpool were knocked out of FA Cup at the third round stage.
And he also reckons their title chances would be improved if they were to exit the Champions League as soon as possible.
“I think being out of the FA Cup [will help] and I’d get out the other thing [Champions League] as quick as possible as well,” he added.
“Seriously I would. Liverpool aren’t good enough to win the double. They haven’t got the squad.
“So for me, get out of that [Champions League]. These could make history.
“You hope these players can understand - 29 years, Liverpool Football Club.
“When I grew up, whoever finished above Liverpool won the league. It was as simple as that, don’t worry about anybody else.
“They would be legends [if they won the league], legends.”
Liverpool are now not in action until next Wednesday when they host Leicester in the Premier League.
Trent Alexander-Arnold could return to action following his knee injury.
James Milner will miss the clash through suspension after being sent off in the win over Crystal Palace.