Programme notesVirgil van Dijk previews a busy winter: 'It's up to all of us to play our part'

The Reds will begin a spell of nine games in 29 days when they welcome Fulham to Anfield in the Premier League on Sunday.

It is a period that will undoubtedly test the team's strength and resilience, but the captain says that even though a number of players are currently sidelined through injury, he is confident that there are still enough options for Jürgen Klopp to navigate his way through a tough December.

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Writing in his column in the official matchday programme, Van Dijk says: "I know it is a cliché that injuries are part and parcel of football and as players we all know the risks involved, but that doesn't make it any easier when you lose anyone to any kind of setback.

"Right now, we are without Thiago, Robbo, Diogo Jota, Alisson and Stefan Bajcetic. It goes without saying that we all wish them well in their ongoing recoveries. The sooner they are back the better.

"At the same time, though, we have to be ready to cope as a squad because injuries can and do happen and when they do the players who come in have to make the most of their opportunity.

"That is why I am so pleased with the fact that this has been happening. Football is a squad game these days and we have had so many players who have made a positive difference whether they have started games, come off the bench, been an unused substitute or just been involved with training.

"By setting high standards across the board, we improve our chances of success, so it can never just be about the 90-100 minutes itself. The work that goes on in the training ground, the mood that is created in the dressing room and the general standards that we set ourselves and one another from one day to the next are so important and this means it is up to all of us to play our part.

"This has definitely been one of our strengths so far this season and it has to continue."

• Get your copy of the matchday programme at Anfield on Sunday or at our online store here