Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson's warning to Sheffield United after Virgil van Dijk injury blow

The Dutch defender is set to miss most, if not all, of the current season after damaging knee ligaments in the Merseyside derby against Everton last weekend - and Henderson warned United that van Dijk's absence will make Liverpool "stronger and even more together" than they already are.

“Yeah, it’s a tough one. It’s a big blow for us," Henderson said, ahead of Saturday evening's game against United at Anfield.

“I’m just gutted for him. So, it’s been a tough couple of days, but that’s when you need to be there for each other.

“I’ll be there as much as I possibly can for him, I’m sure the lads will do the same and his family certainly will, to help him through the journey he’ll go on.

“But I’m sure he’ll be back stronger. In the meantime we’ve got to do everything we can to help make us stronger and basically go and win as many games as we can for him, really.

“That’s down to us as players to make sure that when he is back and he is fit that we’re still fighting to be successful and fighting for trophies."

Van Dijk has been an instrumental part of Liverpool's success, winning both the Premier League and Champions League at Anfield after an £80m move from Southampton.

“You’ve got to use times like this to be stronger and to be even more together than we already are," Henderson added.

"And use it as a positive in some way – I know it sounds ridiculous at the moment, but that’s what you need to try to do. We need to try to look forward and try to help us, in the next however many months Virgil will be out for.

“And also stick by him and be there for him whenever he needs us. But he’s a strong character, he’s strong mentally and he certainly will be back stronger and hopefully, it’s not too long.”

Thank you for reading this article, one of dozens we publish every single day to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative coverage of YOUR club. This depth of Blades coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to from the football team at The Star, please consider taking out a subscription to our new discounted sports-only package. You'll find all the details HERE. Your support is much appreciated. Chris Holt, Football Editor