Gary Neville on Liverpool dressing room impact after Virgil Van Dijk injury and Manchester City prediction

Gary Neville believes Liverpool will be looking for a new defender during the January transfer window amid Virgil van Dijk's injury. Reds centre-back underwent successful surgery last week after picking up a serious injury against Everton. Neville believes the Dutch international's long-term absence will force Jurgen Klopp's side to sign a new defensive option for the next half of the season, having not replaced Dejan Lovren in the summer. "Liverpool, I thought the signings of Thiago and Jota were clever," he told the Gary Neville Podcast. "They supplemented what they already had. It wouldn't surprise me if in a few weeks time they deal with that issue with Van Dijk and bring in a centre-back just to get through, even if it's on loan or a more permanent solution. "I think Jurgen Klopp will be nervous because they will be more exposed. I'm looking forward to seeing Manchester City vs Liverpool next Sunday. "That will be a real test and give us a good guide as to where Manchester City are this season and where Liverpool are without Van Dijk." "Liverpool, at this moment in time, have an ability to play below their best," former Manchester United man added. "We know why. The blow of Van Dijk's injury must be huge. I played in seasons with Manchester United where Cantona was taken off for the kung-fu kick and Roy Keane got injured at Leeds away and other seasons where you miss big players. "The impact it has on the dressing room is something that's significant. But, Liverpool find a way to win when they're not at their best. "That's what champions teams do and they're champions at this moment in time for a reason." Source: Mirror *Join us on Telegram!

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