The return of Virgil van Dijk could be critical to Liverpool's chances of qualifying for next season's Champions League, according to Roy Hodgson.
Hopes of appearing in the 2023/24 competition via the route of cup holders was dealt a serious blow on Tuesday when reigning champions Real Madrid left Anfield with a Round of 16 first-leg three-goal lead, following a remarkable 5-2 away win for Los Blancos. But hopes have been reignited in the Premier league after the Reds' 2-0 win at Newcastle United allowed Jurgen Klopp's side to close the gap between themselves at the top four.
The win coincided with a return to first team action for lynchpin centre-back Van Dijk and Roy Hodgson, who managed Liverpool for just over six months during the 2010-11 season, believes that having the giant Dutchman back in the first team fold will give his former club a much better opportunity of sneaking into the Premier League top four before the end of the current campaign.
