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Captain Under Pressure: Virgil van Dijk Shares Responsibility for Liverpool’s Recent Struggles
The spotlight once again turns to Arne Slot, who is preparing to adjust his lineup as Liverpool host PSV in what is fast becoming a crucial Champions League fixture.
The Reds will remain without Florian Wirtz, who was unable to participate in Tuesday’s open training session. The £116m midfielder missed the weekend defeat to Nottingham Forest due to a minor knock, and Slot previously reassured supporters that his absence “shouldn’t be that long.”
All indications now point to a return against West Ham, meaning Cody Gakpo will once again step in against Slot’s former club.
Meanwhile, Mohamed Salah keeps his place on the right wing, though his output has dipped. The Egyptian has managed just one goal in four Champions League outings this season, leaving him two goals shy of 50 in the competition.
Up front, Alexander Isak continues to search for form. The £125m striker was barely involved against Forest, and despite Slot’s insistence last week that Isak must “play to work up his fitness,” he is expected to make way for Hugo Ekitike.
Slot reaffirmed his confidence in the Swedish forward, saying:
“We can improve as a team and we will improve definitely as individuals because players will be adapted to the league much better. Alex will end up being the player he was at Newcastle if we get him fit. That will take a little bit of time.”
Defensively, Liverpool remain stretched. With Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley still sidelined, Dominik Szoboszlai is likely to continue filling in at right-back. On the opposite side, Andrew Robertson is expected to return in place of Kerkez.
Projected Liverpool XI vs PSV
Alisson; Szoboszlai, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Jones, Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Ekitike, Gakpo
Unavailable: Wirtz, Frimpong, Bradley, Leoni
Kickoff: 8pm, Wednesday, November 26, 2025
Venue: Anfield
Broadcast: TNT Sports
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