Virgil Van Dijk's long-term injury lay-off could force Liverpool to rein in their marauding fullbacks, according to former Reds defender Glen Johnson.
Holland centre-half Van Dijk has been told he needs surgery following an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury sustained after an ugly challenge by Jordan Pickford in the 2-2 Merseyside derby draw at Everton on Saturday.
The club hope the Reds' inspirational defender will be able to play again this season, but Johnson reckons his absence could mean a more restrictive role for Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson, whose swashbuckling attacks down both flanks have played a huge part in the team's success in recent years.