Liverpool have been rocked by the news Virgil van Dijk is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines following an injury sustained in the Merseyside derby.
The Dutch defender was forced off the field in the early exchanges of the 2-2 draw at Goodison Park, when Jurgen Klopp's side were leading 1-0 after Sadio Mane's opener.
Shortly after that goal, Van Dijk was involved in a controversial incident as he was clattered by Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and was forced to leave the field due to injury.
Pickford escaped punishment from the officials, which has led to fierce debate in the aftermath, and Liverpool have been left licking their wounds after the match - with Thiago also picking up an injury.
Van Dijk's long-term absence is of great concern to Liverpool after the integral role he has played in the successes in both the Champions League and Premier League in recent seasons.
His importance to Klopp's side cannot be underestimated and his spell on the sidelines has now led to a significant shift in the outlook off the season.
As identified by OddsChecker, Liverpool's price to retain the Premier League in the 2020/21 season has drifted following the news of Van Dijk's injury.
Four bookmakers have increased their odds on Liverpool clinching the title for the second season in a row with some prices sitting at around 5/2, while three bookmakers have shortened Manchester City's odds of reclaiming the title with some going as low as 19/20.
Pep Guardiola's side have been Liverpool's fiercest competitors in recent seasons and the general expectation is that it will be the same scenario this term.
The two sides face off for the first time this season next month at the Etihad Stadium, where Van Dijk will be forced to watch on from the sidelines.
