Virgil van Dijk is missing Liverpool’s FA Cup clash with Arsenal today due to illness.
The Dutchman was a surprise omission from a strong-looking line-up for the Reds at the Emirates Stadium.
And This Is Anfield understands that his absence is down to illness, rather than any decision to rest him.
The captain is sure to be missed as Liverpool look to secure passage to the fourth round at the expense of a fellow title challenger.
And it remains to be seen whether he will be recovered in time for a League Cup semi-final first leg against Fulham on Wednesday.
Van Dijk has made 20 appearances in all competitions this term, making a welcome return to his best form after a shaky 2022/23 campaign.
In his absence, Ibrahima Konate and Jarell Quansah have been paired at the heart of the Reds’ defence.
There is no established centre-back on the bench, with Nat Phillips not involved despite his loan spell at Celtic ending this week.
It is a young reserve group with an average age of 20.4, including 16-year-old midfielder Trey Nyoni for the second time this season.
Diogo Jota and Ryan Gravenberch are the only substitutes not to come from the academy, though the likes of Conor Bradley, Kaide Gordon and Luke Chambers all have first-team experience.
