Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has shared the latest on his squad’s fitness ahead of their much-anticipated Premier League showdown against Liverpool at Anfield this weekend.

What will life without Virgil van Dijk be like at Liverpool?

Arne Slot offered a clear and pragmatic insight into Liverpool’s long-term planning when questioned about Virgil van Dijk and the club’s interest in young centre-backs.

While reaffirming Van Dijk’s importance, Slot made it clear that succession planning is already part of the wider strategy at Anfield.

Speaking to reporters, Slot said: “We know Virgil won't play for 10 years but he has a year left, maybe longer at us.

Hopefully he can stay fit for multiple years but this club is not stupid. We do know somewhere in the upcoming years there is life after Virgil, but that is for every position. We don't think about short-term only; it is mid to long as well.”

The Liverpool boss stressed that recruitment decisions are not reactionary but part of a broader vision, balancing experience with future needs.

Slot’s remarks underlined a calm realism rather than urgency, as Liverpool continue shaping a squad built to compete both now and in the years ahead.