Jamie Carragher has reflected on the injury news of Virgil Van Dijk answering questions if Liverpool can defend their Premier League title without the big man
Virgil van Dijk absence could leave the door wide open for Jurgen Klopp's men to concede defeat in their Premier League title defence this season.
Carragher believe it will do the Reds a big blow if the Dutch centre-half is ruled out of action for the full season, insisting the champions must go into the market in January.
"The big question you're looking at now is, can Liverpool win the league without Van Dijk there? , Carragher said on Sky Sports.
"I think it blows the title race wide open, I really do.
"I still felt at the start of this season Liverpool were the team to beat. I think with Van Dijk being out for what looks like the whole season now, I think it's going to be all on for Liverpool.
"I think Liverpool certainly have to go into the market in January, and not just because of Van Dijk's injury, but Liverpool were weak in that area anyway. They lost (Dejan) Lovren before the start of the season now the other players in those positions are very injury prone."
Sky Sports journalist Peter Smith added on the argument: "The brilliant Dutchman has played in 95 of the 96 Premier League games Liverpool have had since he made his debut in January 2018. He played every minute in the league last season, as they claimed the title for the first time in 30 years.
"So how do they try to cover the absence of a player who has been central to their triumphs domestically and in Europe over the past three years?
"It is a huge task and, with Premier League and Champions League games coming thick and fast, it is a task Jurgen Klopp must get right if Liverpool are to continue to be successful. That is how pivotal Van Dijk has been."