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Virgil van Dijk insists Liverpool are capable of challenging for the Premier League title — but only if they steer clear of an injury pile-up.

Liverpool sit just one point off league leaders Manchester City and they are above Arsenal on goal difference only, with just three points separating the top five.

However, seven of the nine substitutes available for Jurgen Klopp’s side in Sunday’s three-goal win over Brentford were youth-team graduates, with eight first-team squad members unavailable.

“A title challenge? I hope so,” Van Dijk said. "Our dressing room felt like we were the under-23s. But still we have the quality. If you are good enough, you are old enough. But we need a bit of luck, we need no injuries and need consistency.

“Overall we have been doing well but the season is not decided in November and there could be so many twists and turns, we all know that.”

Liverpool face a difficult test after the international break as they travel to champions City. Klopp’s side have not won at the Etihad since their Champions League win in 2018 fell to a heavy 4-1 defeat at the stadium in April.

“It's a very big game, obviously,” added Van Dijk. “It's always tough over there, especially coming back from all different countries. It's exactly the same for them, although they have the advantage of playing at home.

“Hopefully everyone will come back fit from their (international) games, and it's an early kick-off so we have to be ready for it. It will be an interesting one.”

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