Liverpool fans have just a few more days to wait until their Reds are back in Premier League business. Enzo Maresca's Manchester City will come calling on Sunday afternoon in an exciting clash at Anfield.
Andoni Iraola saw several senior players head out on international duty, with two key stars returning early with injuries. Cody Gakpo sustained an ankle issue against Serbia and has returned to be assessed by Liverpool's medical team.
Alexander Isak has also come back to Anfield prematurely after withdrawing from the Sweden squad with a thigh problem. Iraola will hope these injuries are not serious as he looks ahead to a busy run of fixtures in the Premier League, Carabao Cup and Champions League.
Van Dijk future plans emerge
Virgil van Dijk has insisted he has no intention of retiring after earning his 100th cap for the Netherlands on Sunday. The Liverpool skipper was presented with a golden bowl and commemorative shirt by the Dutch FA to mark the milestone ahead of his side's victory over Serbia.
At 35, Van Dijk has now entered the final 12 months of his contract at Anfield and his future has been widely speculated upon. However, retirement is not on the defender's mind as he expressed his gratitude to his web of support.
Van Dijk told NOS: "I am very grateful. To the group, the staff, the staff members with whom I have worked in the past. And in the end, I am most grateful for my family. They were there tonight too."
"A special evening and a great milestone. Definitely something I'm very proud of. For me, it doesn't stop at 100. It's something I never dared to dream, it felt way too far away to even think about when I was young. I got the most out of [my career].
"Unfortunately, I missed another year (due to his knee injury in 2020), otherwise I might have been able to come close to Wesley Sneijder (134 caps). But I am proud and happy."
Steven Gerrard lands new role
Steven Gerrard has teamed up with former rival Gary Neville as he agrees to work on the ex-Manchester United star's new football venture. The Anfield icon is set to feature on The Overlap Daily, a programme dedicated to delivering the freshest football news and discussion from the top leagues across the world.
It will launch on Friday, October 9 with the first episode featuring Jamie Carragher, Neville and YouTube star Mark Goldbridge. Gerrard has been confirmed alongside a number of other former professionals, including Joe Hart, Peter Schmeichel, Tim Sherwood and Duncan Ferguson.
Gerrard's first appearance will be on Monday, October 12, alongside presenter Becky Ives.
