Liverpool's chances of qualifying for next season's Champions League are contingent on keeping Virgil Van Dijk fit.

That is the opinion of former Reds and England boss Roy Hodgson.

The veteran coach, who also had stints with Fulham and Crystal Palace, believes defensive issues have plagued Liverpool all season.

The former Three Lions manager told William Hill, "I wouldn't count Liverpool out of the top four race, they just need to get on a good run. They have the quality of squad, the quality of coaching and good management that they need to get them those types of good runs. It could be very, very exciting at the end of the season. There will be a few teams fighting for the Champions League places.

"A simple thing like Virgil van Dijk coming back from injury will have a massive difference for Liverpool. There has been a lot of injuries with Liverpool this season, which has contributed to their struggles. Football is always going to be defined by the moment in time, it will be what situation you find yourself in and sometimes you find yourself in a situation through no real fault of your own.

"It can be purely circumstantial, as simple as losing key players at critical moments. One or two results then go against you and then all of a sudden, it's very easy to lose faith in what you're doing. The players then have to be strong to get through those periods because there will be criticisms and those criticisms won't always be fair, but you can't get caught up in them.

"When you're having a bit of bad luck, you have to be strong and get through it, and that's why I think Liverpool will do well. They have that strength in the squad, the coaching staff and in the management and the size and support at the club with a lot of experienced players."