Liverpool turn their attention to Saturday's FA Cup clash with Brighton as they face a brewing injury crisis with Wataru Endo's devastating ankle injury
Chris Burns Senior Sports Writer and Will Schofield Senior Sports Reporter
07:32, 13 Feb 2026Updated 07:40, 13 Feb 2026
Virgil van Dijk isn't afraid to be vocal
View 3 Images
Virgil van Dijk isn't afraid to be vocal(Image: Getty Images)
Following their return to form in the Premier League during midweek, Liverpool will now shift their focus to Saturday evening's FA Cup encounter with Brighton.
It's been a challenging campaign for the reigning Premier League champions, who have faltered in their bid to defend their crown. The FA Cup, along with the Champions League, now presents Liverpool with their finest opportunity to claim silverware this season.
Nevertheless, Liverpool are grappling with a mounting injury crisis. And Daily Star Sport has a look at all the biggest stories that have surrounded the Anfield club in the past 24 hours.
Virgil Van Dijk transfer demand
Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk look on
View 3 Images
Van Dijk has spoken out about Ibrahima Konate(Image: Robin Jones/Getty Images)
JOIN US ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page
Liverpool skipper Van Dijk has expressed his desire for Liverpool to secure Ibrahima Konate on fresh terms, reports the Mirror.
The French defender's contract expires this summer with no progress in negotiations, meaning he could potentially depart as a free agent, with Real Madrid reportedly showing interest.
The Dutch captain spoke about the "world class" centre-back and emphasised his wish to continue partnering Konate at the heart of Liverpool's backline for years ahead.
"We are friends," Van Dijk said of Konate. "We speak about everything. It's a process and let's see what comes out of it. It's never that easy. We saw with my [contract] situation last year so it's never that easy that we can just say: 'Let's get it done'.
"Obviously I want him to stay... I can do only so much but it's in the club's hands, together with his agents and himself, so let's see what comes out of it but I have no influence otherwise on that. It was not my decision to leave [my contract] that late but it is what it is.
Wataru Endo could be finished at Anfield
Liverpool's Japanese midfielder #03 Wataru Endo lays on the pitch injured during the English Premier League football match between Sunderland and Liverpool at The Stadium of Light in Sunderland in north east England on February 11, 2026. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. /
View 3 Images
Wataru Endo was stretchered off in the Sunderland win(Image: ANDY BUCHANAN, AFP via Getty Images)
Ensure our latest sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as a Preferred Source in your Google search settings
Endo's horrific injury against Sunderland might signal the conclusion of his Liverpool stint. The 33-year-old sustained a serious injury after an awkward landing on his ankle.
Japan's skipper arrived at Liverpool in 2023 from Stuttgart for £12 million. Nevertheless, the combative midfielder's deal runs until 2027 and it's understood that the Premier League title holders would consider bids for the player.
Liverpool manager Slot admitted that Endo will be sidelined for a considerable period, suggesting that the injury has effectively ended the player's campaign.
Article continues below
"I assume he will be out for a long, long time. What is long, it is difficult to say at this moment but you can hardly believe what this right full-back position brings us this season," Slot remarked following the Sunderland match.