Virgil van Dijk has confessed he's "gutted" by one of the latest developments around Arne Slot's Liverpool squad
Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool during the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Liverpool and Brighton & Hove Albion
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk approves of the current favourite to replace him as skipper(Image: Justin Setterfield, Getty Images)
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Liverpool's injury situation continues to make headlines as the Reds aim to conclude the season strongly. Arne Slot's team are feeling the consequences of a difficult autumn spell, and several squad problems threaten to undo much of the club's recent progress.
Slot's men go into Sunday's Premier League encounter against Nottingham Forest without several important players. Liverpool have maximised the available resources to secure four victories in their previous five outings despite the difficulties, but the squad is now approaching the most demanding phase of the season as tiredness takes hold.
The Reds remain in contention to win a couple of trophies this term, provided the Premier League title is beyond reach. Champions League and FA Cup silverware are still up for grabs, though certain absences will significantly impact team selection in the coming weeks.
With that in mind, the club have been especially affected by the most recent fitness update. And ECHO Sport examines the latest developments around Anfield as the club seeks to continue its Premier League climb.
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Endo injury update "gutting" for Liverpool
Liverpool were recently dealt a blow with the announcement that Wataru Endo could be sidelined for the remainder of the season following his injury in the 1-0 victory at Sunderland. The Japan international's foot was awkwardly trapped in the pitch whilst attempting a clearance, made all the more painful as it was his first league start of the season.
Endo, 33, hasn't managed to secure a regular spot in Slot's midfield but assisted the team by stepping in as a makeshift right-back. Regular choices Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong are already undergoing treatment, while Joe Gomez has been intermittently unavailable due to injuries of his own.
Van Dijk conveyed just how "gutted" the rest of the squad was upon discovering the severity of Endo's injury. However, the captain demonstrated solidarity in response to the setback and emphasised Endo's significance despite his limited game time.
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
Van Dijk described Wataru Endo's foot injury as "gutting" for the rest of Liverpool's squad(Image: Getty Images)
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"It's a shame, we were all really gutted after the [Sunderland] match," said Van Dijk. "I had a similar injury when I was at Southampton, a foot injury, and it's not an easy one to deal with.
"But we are here for him, we are going to stand by him throughout and support him with everything he needs. It's not great, he is such an important and respected member of the team, he's one of the leaders and he always sets an example as well.
"It's a shame, we were all really gutted after the [Sunderland] game. On the pitch he gives everything and you saw that in the game. It's a big blow but we have to deal with it and we will. Hopefully it's not going to take too long but it looks like it will be a whilst."
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Van Dijk endorses Szoboszlai for captaincy
Dominik Szoboszlai appears a strong favourite to be crowned Liverpool's Player of the Season after reaching new levels at Anfield this campaign. And with additional qualities emerging, the Hungarian has received backing to eventually inherit the armband.
The 25-year-old has netted 10 goals and provided seven assists in 35 appearances this campaign, which is particularly remarkable considering he's been deployed across central midfield, right-back, right wing and other roles.
Szoboszlai has even drawn parallels to club legend Steven Gerrard following his excellent run of form. And current captain Van Dijk offered significant praise by endorsing him as a future successor to the armband.
Dominik Szoboszlai of Liverpool celebrates after scoring the second goal for his team during the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Liverpool and Brighton & Hove Albion
Szoboszlai has earned widespread plaudits this season(Image: Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
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"Obviously he has been very good," said the Dutchman. "Also a player who I think can still make the next step in terms of being a leader for this team.
"It starts by leading by example and that's something he has done so far this season. But also everything around it; there is still progress to be made, and that's a good thing in my opinion, so hopefully he will be very important for the years to come at Liverpool."
Van Dijk, whose contract at Anfield runs until 2027, refrained from naming his colleague as the immediate successor given he wants to keep hold of it himself for now. Nevertheless, such glowing endorsement from the present skipper further demonstrates the degree of admiration Szoboszlai boasts among the squad.