Liverpool look set to be without midfielder Thiago Alcantara for a considerable amount of time after the Spaniard was injured during a training session earlier in the week.
Thiago's hip flexor immediately ruled him out of Monday's Merseyside derby with a revived Everton side, but the true extent of his latest setback looks set to keep the midfielder out for event longer.
The 31-year-old has struggled with injuries throughout the season, having previously missed six games at the start of the season with a hamstring issue. Now he looks set for up to a month on the sidelines according to The Telegraph.
Reds boss Jurgen Klopp has seen his midfield department struck with injuries throughout the season, with Thiago's setback seeing him join fellow recovering stars Virgil van Dijk, Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota, Ibrahim Konate and Roberto Firmino in the treatment room.
Klopp revealed the injury news in his pre-match press conference ahead of Monday's derby clash, stating: 'Thiago has some problems. I know the problem but I have to ask the medical department what I'm allowed to say!
Thiago's injury comes amidst a midfield crisis for a struggling Liverpool side sitting 10th in the Premier League standings and currently 12 points adrift of the Champions League places.
Arthur Melo is yet to make a league appearance for the Reds since joining last season's Champions League finalists on a summer loan move from Juventus after several delays to his full-fitness return.
While 19-year-old Calvin Ramsay also has a long-term injury that has seen his first-team opportunities limited to the Champions League and Carabao Cup.
Klopp is now tasked with finding a solution to Liverpool's limping midfield ahead of a tough run of fixtures populated with crucial Premier League ties and knockout matches in the Champions League.
Liverpool host Everton on Monday before travelling to high-flying Newcastle prior to a last-16 tie with European title holders Real Madrid on February 21.
Dreamcast
270
So sad for Klopp but Allihamdullilahi for potter 😢