Virgil van Dijk is set to miss Liverpool's Premier League showdown with Manchester City at Anfield today.

The ECHO understands that the £75million centre-back has been hampered by a tight hamstring and is unlikely to be risked against the leaders.

As a result Dejan Lovren is expected to be recalled by Jurgen Klopp to start alongside Joel Matip against City.

Van Dijk's absence represents a major blow for the Reds as they look to inflict a first league defeat of the season on Pep Guardiola's side.

The Netherlands international enjoyed a dream debut for the club following his January move from Southampton when he nodded home a late winner in the FA Cup tie against Everton at Anfield last week.

However, it looks like his Premier League bow for the Reds will have to wait with Klopp unwilling to gamble on his fitness.

City haven't won at Anfield for 15 years but they will arrive on a high having established a 15-point lead at the top of the table.

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Liverpool will be looking to avenge the 5-0 thrashing they suffered at the Etihad back in September when they fell apart after Sadio Mane's first-half dismissal.