Liverpool were rocked by another defensive injury blow against Bournemouth on Saturday as Dejan Lovren was forced off in the first half.
With Joel Matip remaining out for the forseeable with a knee injury, the Croatian had cemented his place in the Reds backline in recent weeks alongside Virgil van Dijk.
However, after earlier receiving treatment at the Vitality Stadium, the defender was withdrawn shortly before the break, walking off gingerly with Trent Alexander-Arnold coming on in his place.
Joe Gomez switched to centre-back following Lovren's withdrawal, leaving Jurgen Klopp facing an anxious wait to see how long the defender could be sidelined for heading into a busy festive period.
Down to just two senior available centre-backs, Liverpool are next in action away at Red Bull Salzburg in a crucial Champions League clash on Tuesday night in a game which will decide whether they progress to the knockout stages.