Virgil van Dijk says he is “not in any panic” about his contract and has admitted he has been struggling with “a little niggle” for the past couple of weeks. Hungary have confirmed that Dominik Szoboszlai has a knee sprain, with a decision on whether he plays expected at the last minute.
Alisson Becker has been named the Premier League’s Player of the Matchweek, Alexis Mac Allister is one booking away from a ban, and Manchester United’s bosses meet on Wednesday to discuss Michael Carrick’s future.
Van Dijk: ‘not in any panic’
Virgil van Dijk, 35, whose contract expires at the end of this season, told reporters he is relaxed about his future. “I’m not in any panic whatsoever. I want to keep playing and continue what I’m doing. Let’s see what the season brings,” he said. “I’ve had an amazing time already so far. If that will be extended, that’s the case. If not, then I will go somewhere else.”
He added: “There’s nothing to report at the moment but that doesn’t mean that there’s any stress or anything.” Liverpool have said nothing about a new deal.
On his fitness, the captain said: “Mentally, I’m in a good place. Physically, I’ve been struggling with a little niggle the past couple of weeks but I do everything in my power to be out there.” He has played every minute of our Premier League season so far, but has withdrawn from the Netherlands’ Nations League games against Greece and Germany. Liverpool have not confirmed the precise nature of the problem or provided a date for his return.
Szoboszlai: knee sprain confirmed
The Hungarian Football Federation has confirmed that Dominik Szoboszlai, 26, has a knee sprain. In a post on X, it said he had undergone the standard medical examinations and that the national team’s medical staff will do everything they can over the coming days to make the captain available to the coaching staff as soon as possible. It added that a decision on whether he plays will almost certainly not be made until the last minute.
Szoboszlai remains with Hungary’s squad and is doubtful for Saturday’s Nations League trip to Georgia (5pm UK time). His availability for the home game against Northern Ireland on Tuesday 17 November (7.45pm UK time) is also uncertain.
Alisson named Player of the Matchweek
Alisson Becker has been voted the Premier League’s Player of the Matchweek for his display in Sunday’s 3-1 win at Crystal Palace, where he made six saves. He took 27 per cent of the fan vote. It follows his comments that he wants to stay and that his agent is talking with the club. There is still no agreement on a new contract.
Mac Allister one booking from a ban
Alexis Mac Allister is one yellow card away from a one-match Premier League suspension. The midfielder received his fourth league booking of the season against Crystal Palace. Another against Manchester United on 22 November would see him miss the Merseyside derby at Everton on 29 November.
United’s decision on Carrick
Manchester United chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox are expected to meet Sir Jim Ratcliffe in Monaco on Wednesday to discuss Michael Carrick’s future. BBC Sport reports growing expectations that they will recommend his dismissal, although no decision has been confirmed and an announcement may not come until Thursday. United are 18th in the Premier League ahead of their trip to Anfield.
Credibility: High for the reported meeting. Carrick’s dismissal remains unconfirmed.
Injury picture
The latest known positions: Dominik Szoboszlai (knee sprain) is doubtful for Hungary’s games against Georgia and Northern Ireland. Virgil van Dijk (undisclosed niggle) has withdrawn from the Netherlands squad. Ryan Gravenberch (heel fracture) remains day-to-day and is out of the Netherlands squad. Jeremie Frimpong (muscle) is still out, and Conor Bradley, Hugo Ekitiké and Giovanni Leoni remain sidelined. There has been no new injury update from the club.
Under-21s, LFC Women and international duty
Liverpool Under-21s, already out of the competition, finished their Jersey Mike’s Trophy campaign with a 4-0 defeat at Huddersfield Town on Tuesday night. Joe Taylor scored twice, with Joe Low and Cameron Ashia also on target. Full-back Clae Ewing came off the bench to make his first appearance since March after injury.
Liverpool Women host Aston Villa in the Subway Players Cup at St Helens Stadium on Wednesday 11 November at 7pm. The Reds have six points from their three league-phase games.
Rio Ngumoha, 18, is in England’s squad to face Croatia at Wembley on Thursday 12 November and Spain in Madrid on Sunday 15 November, both at 7.45pm UK time.
Transfers
There are no confirmed transfer developments tonight, and nothing on Liverpool’s transfer plans from the likes of David Ornstein and Paul Joyce.
Sport Witness, which mostly relays foreign press reports, claims Liverpool have made an official enquiry to Palmeiras about 19-year-old attacking midfielder Erick Belé. It says the Brazilian club would consider negotiations starting at €30m (£25m), but Liverpool have not submitted an offer. Paris Saint-Germain are also said to have made contact. Belé recently extended his contract until October 2031. The claimed Liverpool enquiry has not been independently corroborated. Credibility: Low.
Bild’s Christian Falk claims Bayern Munich remain in contact with Rio Ngumoha’s representatives and regard the 18-year-old winger as a potential summer target. There is no confirmed approach to Liverpool or reported bid. Credibility: Low.
There have been no significant developments from reliable sources concerning ownership, investment or senior club staffing. The only contract news is Van Dijk’s and Alisson’s comments.
Fixtures (UK times)
Sunday 22 November: Liverpool v Manchester United, Premier League, 4.30pm (Sky Sports)
Wednesday 25 November: Club Brugge v Liverpool, Champions League, 8pm
Sunday 29 November: Everton v Liverpool, Premier League, 12pm (TNT Sports)
Wednesday 2 December: Liverpool v Sunderland, Premier League, 7.30pm (Sky Sports)
Saturday 5 December: Chelsea v Liverpool, Premier League, 12.30pm (TNT Sports)
Wednesday 9 December: Liverpool v Porto, Champions League, 8pm
Saturday 12 December: Liverpool v Leeds United, Premier League, 3pm
Wednesday 16 December: Liverpool v AFC Bournemouth, Carabao Cup quarter-final, 8pm (ITV and Sky Sports)
Saturday 19 December: Liverpool v Tottenham Hotspur, Premier League, 5.30pm (Sky Sports)
Liverpool’s next men’s fixture is against Manchester United at Anfield on 22 November. All kick-off times are GMT and subject to change.
