Liverpool beat Inter Milan 1-0 last week thanks to a controversial late penalty from Dominik Szoboszlai

Liverpool beat Inter Milan 1-0 last week thanks to a controversial late penalty from Dominik Szoboszlai

Liverpool are set to be without a number of players when they take on Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday

Liverpool are set to be without a number of players when they take on Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday

Among the players pictured at the gathering on Saturday were Phil Thompson, Kenny Dalglish, Alan Hansen and Sammy Lee

Among the players pictured at the gathering on Saturday were Phil Thompson, Kenny Dalglish, Alan Hansen and Sammy Lee

Virgil van Dijk has rarely been one to overstate momentum, and his message following Liverpool’s latest upturn was characteristically measured. Back to back victories have steadied Arne Slot’s side, but the captain was keen to stress that progress will only be meaningful if it is sustained.

Liverpool followed a 1-0 Champions League win away at Internazionale with a composed 2-0 success over Brighton at Anfield. Hugo Ekitike was the difference on Saturday, scoring twice as Liverpool extended their unbeaten run to five matches. The results provided a timely response after recent frustration, yet Van Dijk was quick to underline that consistency, not isolated wins, remains the priority.

Speaking after the Brighton game, he pointed to the mindset within the squad. “The mood in the dressing room has always been very good. It can obviously go down in terms of performances, if you win or lose,” said the skipper, who marked his 250th top flight appearance for the club.

“But the main thing I see is that we all have the will to turn this around, and the hunger and energy to do so. But obviously it’s about what happens between those white lines in 95 minutes. That’s what we can influence and that’s what we want to do.”

Consistency focus after recent setbacks

Liverpool’s recent victories came on the back of painful lessons. Leads of 2-0 and 3-2 had slipped away at Leeds United, exposing issues around game management and concentration. For Van Dijk, the response since has been encouraging, but he knows how quickly standards can dip.

“[Against Brighton] and also midweek, we did that very well,” he continued. “But we all know the season is still so long.

“We want to be consistent, because that’s something I’ve experienced for almost all my time at Liverpool. We just have to keep going and stay calm.”

Those words reflect a player who has lived through title winning campaigns and difficult rebuilds alike. Van Dijk understands that rhythm and discipline across months, not weeks, define successful seasons.

Defensive standards drive improvement

The defensive platform has been central to Liverpool’s improved run. Three clean sheets in the last five matches have restored a sense of control after successive home defeats to Nottingham Forest and PSV Eindhoven earlier in the campaign.

Asked about Liverpool seeing games out more effectively, Van Dijk was candid. “Very pleasing. I’ve been very fortunate, especially at Anfield, to win a lot of games and keep clean sheets and feel like there is no way a team could beat us here.

“That feeling was incredible. And obviously the last couple of weeks we have been struggling, we have been going through ups and downs, and that’s obviously difficult to take.”

For the captain, the solution lies in collective responsibility rather than individual blame. “But it’s all about the hard work, the confidence, and the way you defend with each other that matters.

“I think you saw especially [against Brighton] but also the midweek game how much commitment there is. That’s obviously a good thing to see for me as a captain as well. That all helps.”

Leadership and trust across back line

Van Dijk was also asked about the form of Ibrahima Konate, who impressed at San Siro and again against Brighton. His answer reflected a broader message about unity.

“Everyone at his best helps, everyone in the team. That’s why it’s a team sport,” he said.

“Ibou is a fantastic defender. Obviously when the team is not performing as a collective, then we as the last line could be exposed. And that happened at times as well.

“Individual mistakes cost us, including myself at times. Unfortunately, that’s part of the game. It’s how you deal with it, how you react to it.”

Van Dijk believes Konate has responded in the right way. “I think Ibou, as an example, has been in the last two games especially outstanding. He’s working on things, like we all do. He helps me, I help him and that’s how it should be. We are not perfect.

“He wants the best for the club and I’m pretty sure that will be absolutely fine.”

For Liverpool, the message is clear. Momentum has returned, but Van Dijk’s focus remains firmly on sustaining standards as the season unfolds.

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Former Liverpool midfielder Don Hutchinson says head coach Arne Slot has emerged the 'winner' following the fallout of Mohamed Salah's explosive interview

Former Liverpool midfielder Don Hutchinson says head coach Arne Slot has emerged the 'winner' following the fallout of Mohamed Salah's explosive interview

Liverpool have been told Crystal Palace could cash-in on their England defender Marc Guehi next month.

Liverpool have been told Crystal Palace could cash-in on their England defender Marc Guehi next month.

Liverpool returned to winning ways in the Premier League with victory over Brighton, but the result came at a cost. Arne Slot left Anfield with fresh injury concerns to manage as the calendar tightens and a demanding run of fixtures continues. With absentees already stretching the squad, the latest knocks have sharpened the focus on fitness and availability ahead of next weekend’s trip to Tottenham.

Photo: IMAGO

There was relief in some quarters. Concerns over Alexander Isak proved unfounded as he was able to make a late cameo, while Federico Chiesa also returned after missing the midweek Champions League trip to Italy through illness. Conor Bradley is back from suspension, offering timely cover. Yet two new injuries during the Brighton match added to a list that already features several senior players.

Slot’s options were underlined by the bench, which contained just four senior outfield players. With Mohamed Salah now away at AFCON with Egypt, the margin for error feels slim. The coming days will be about assessing damage and managing workloads as Liverpool try to maintain momentum.

Ekitike form shines despite late concern

Hugo Ekitike continued his impressive early impact in a Liverpool shirt with another decisive contribution. The striker struck inside the opening minute to set the tone against Brighton and added a second on the hour to make it back to back braces. His removal with 12 minutes remaining raised eyebrows, particularly as he appeared well placed to chase a hat trick.

Photo IMAGO

Ekitike was replaced by Alexander Isak, but there was no immediate indication that the substitution was enforced. Slot was not asked about the decision afterwards, which suggested it may have been precautionary rather than problematic. Liverpool will hope that is the case given Ekitike’s growing importance at the top end of the pitch.

Potential return date: December 20 vs Tottenham (A)

Szoboszlai and Gomez add to midfield strain

Dominik Szoboszlai’s afternoon ended painfully late on. The Hungarian landed awkwardly after jumping to avoid a collision and immediately signalled for treatment. He left the pitch visibly uncomfortable, leaving Slot facing another midfield concern.

The Liverpool head coach confirmed the issue afterwards, saying, “Dom [Szoboszlai], it was his ankle. It didn’t look great when I just saw him. But he has unbelievable mentality so let’s hope for the best.” There is no clarity yet on how long he could be sidelined, with Tottenham now looming quickly.

Joe Gomez’s injury felt more ominous. The defender went down off the ball after 26 minutes and was replaced by Mohamed Salah. Having already endured long spells on the sidelines during his career, this latest setback was met with frustration as much as concern.

Photo IMAGO

Slot offered an honest assessment post match. “If I have a player who goes off with a muscle injury like Joe, that’s normally not a positive thing. I would not expect him to be in the squad next week [at Tottenham], but sometimes you get a positive surprise.” It leaves Liverpool short in defence at a time when stability is badly needed.

Potential return dates: Unknown

Longer absences shape Liverpool plans

Further down the list, several players are facing more prolonged spells out. Jeremie Frimpong’s Liverpool career has yet to gain momentum after another frustrating injury sequence. The Dutchman suffered a hamstring issue on the opening day against Bournemouth and another setback against Eintracht Frankfurt in October. He was close to a return against Brighton but ultimately did not make the squad.

Photo IMAGO

Slot remains hopeful he will be back soon, saying, “The good thing is that Conor Bradley comes back from a suspension [next week] and normally Jeremie Frimpong will train with us also.” That would be a timely boost ahead of Tottenham.

Cody Gakpo and Wataru Endo are both facing weeks out after injuries confirmed before the Brighton match. Slot said, “It’s going to be weeks. With Cody, it’s a muscle injury.” In a further update he added, “It’s going to be weeks [for Gakpo and Endo]. Cody has a muscle injury, and Wata has an ankle injury.” Gakpo’s absence removes an important attacking option, while Endo’s limits depth at a time when versatility would be valuable.

The longest road back belongs to Giovanni Leoni. The young Italian suffered an ACL injury on his debut against Southampton in the Carabao Cup and is expected to miss the remainder of the season. Slot spoke with empathy about the challenge ahead. “He is not in a good place, of course, because he tore his ACL and it means he will be out for a year. Being so young and coming to a new country and playing so well in your first game… it’s very hard to take the positive side. There’s never a positive side, but you always try to look at a positive side and that is that he is still so young, so he has so many years still to go after he recovers from a terrible injury like that.”

As Liverpool prepare for Tottenham, the injury list remains fluid and concerning. Slot will hope for quick recoveries, but careful management now feels essential if Liverpool are to navigate the festive period with their ambitions intact.

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Vitezslav Jaros opens up on his decision to leave Liverpool on loan for Ajax and John Heitinga's sacking as head coach

Vitezslav Jaros opens up on his decision to leave Liverpool on loan for Ajax and John Heitinga's sacking as head coach

Liverpool’s contract talks with Ibrahima Konate continue to hover over a season that has otherwise leaned heavily on his availability rather than his best form. As reported by TeamTalk, the 26 year old has started all 16 Premier League fixtures and six Champions League matches, a level of trust that underlines how central he remains to Arne Slot’s thinking. Yet with his deal expiring at the end of the season, the situation carries an edge that Liverpool know too well.

Negotiations have been ongoing for some time, and the preference inside Anfield is clear. The aim is retention, not replacement. As TeamTalk’s transfer insider Dean Jones explains, “The aim has been to tie him up by the New Year, but I’m not sure they see it as a strict deadline.”

Contract talks shaped by past lessons

Liverpool’s caution is informed by history. The spectre of unresolved contract sagas looms large, and the club are keen to avoid a repeat. Jones was explicit on that concern, noting, “The objective has been to avoid another Trent Alexander-Arnold scenario that drags on and on, and then he still leaves.”

Photo: IMAGO

The stakes are high because losing Konate would create a domino effect. “The problem Liverpool have is that if Konate leaves, then they’ll actually need two centre-back signings,” Jones added. That reality explains why talks continue without panic, but also without complacency.

Centre-back targets reflect depth strategy

Liverpool’s recruitment thinking is already active. According to TeamTalk, the Reds are assessing options such as Marc Guehi and Nico Schlotterbeck. Crucially, these are not viewed as direct replacements. Jones clarified, “They are already in the market for someone – and that’s not to replace Konate, it’s to have as well as him.”

Photo IMAGO

This reflects a wider concern about squad balance. “Too many new signings is part of the problem in terms of the team gelling,” Jones said, adding that losing Konate mid season “actually would bring about new problems.”

January stance signals resolve

Liverpool’s position is firm. There is no appetite to cash in during January. “So I don’t think they will try to sell him, I think they will only lose him if they reach a stage where finding an agreement has become impossible.” It is a stance rooted in stability rather than short term manoeuvring, and one that aligns with Slot’s early emphasis on continuity.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

This report lands with a familiar mix of calm and concern. Konate has not hit the heights consistently this season, but availability matters, and his partnership potential remains obvious. Letting him drift towards the exit would feel like self sabotage when the defence is still bedding into a new coaching cycle.

Fans will nod along to the logic of avoiding another drawn out contract saga. The club have been here before, and patience can quickly turn into regret. Equally, the idea of adding someone like Guehi or Schlotterbeck without forcing Konate out makes sense. Depth has been the difference between title challenges and near misses in recent seasons.

There is also a strong sense that January should not be about upheaval. Liverpool are not chasing a reset, they are refining. Losing a senior centre back midway through the campaign would jar with the rhythm Slot is trying to establish. Supporters would much rather see the club back Konate with a fair deal, keep continuity at the back, and add competition on their own terms.

Ultimately, this feels like a moment for clarity rather than brinkmanship. Tie him down if possible, strengthen smartly, and avoid creating a problem that does not need to exist.

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Mohamed Salah is reportedly travelling to Saudi Arabia before joining Egypt for AFCON duties

Mohamed Salah is reportedly travelling to Saudi Arabia before joining Egypt for AFCON duties

The ECHO's Liverpool writers look ahead to what the future might possibly hold for Mohamed Salah on the other side of the Africa Cup of Nations

The ECHO's Liverpool writers look ahead to what the future might possibly hold for Mohamed Salah on the other side of the Africa Cup of Nations

Liverpool finds itself in the rare position of having a free week on its hands, although that won’t stop a lot of the talk surrounding the club at the moment.

Mohamed Salah continues to dominate the headlines, with the winger making his way to the Africa Cup of Nations after returning to the Reds’ squad against Brighton at the weekend. Despite successful showdown talks with Arne Slot on Friday though, his future isn’t yet decided after his outburst against the club.

Discussions will continue between his representatives and Liverpool to find a solution, but the Reds may well have to start looking at potential replacements - one such name features in the latest round of rumors.

Here is the Liverpool.com verdict on the transfer gossip to emerge around the Reds today.

Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth)

Liverpool holds a “genuine interest” in Antoine Semenyo, but faces a battle to sign the Bournemouth winger with other clubs keen on him, Fabrizio Romano has told GiveMeSport.

Speculation has been growing over Semenyo’s future recently, and it does seem likely that he could be on the move at some point over the next couple of transfer windows.

The Reds are being strongly linked, with the Ghana international seen as a potential replacement for Salah. According to TeamTalk though, Manchester City is the frontrunner to sign him, while Tottenham is said to be prepared to “smash” its wage structure for him.

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Liverpool.com says: Although he's not producing the sort of numbers he was at the start of the season, Semenyo should be a player that Liverpool is keeping a close eye on - if nothing else, just so there's a plan in place should Salah want to leave next month.

Whether the club sees Semenyo as an ideal replacement for Salah is the obvious question, with the main worry being whether he will be able to step up to the demands of a club like Liverpool. That's a call that may have to be made sooner rather than later.

Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace)

Liverpool is among a host of big clubs showing interest in Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, although the England international won’t come cheaply according to The Guardian.

As well as the Reds, Manchester City, Manchester United and Real Madrid are all said to be keen. Wharton has no release clause in his contract, with Palace said to value him at more than £80 million ($107M).

Liverpool has been linked with a move for Adam Wharton (Image: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

It’s suggested that a January move might be out of the question with Palace still in four competitions at the moment, and riding high in the Premier League.

Liverpool.com says: Wharton will surely get a big move soon, it's just a question of where he goes, and how much will a club have to pay for his services. As Liverpool knows all too well now, dealing with Palace can be tricky, especially with Oliver Glasner clearly keen on keeping his best players.

A new midfielder doesn't feel like a priority for Liverpool when compared to a center-back or a new winger, so if there's going to be a race for Wharton next summer, don't be surprised to see the Reds taking a back seat in it.

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