Trent Alexander-Arnold has officially been ruled out of Sunday’s clash with Manchester United at Anfield through injury.
The right-back was replaced by Dejan Lovren in the 90th minute of Tuesday’s 1-0 Champions League win over Napoli after suffering a blow to his left ankle.
He received a scan on his foot the following day and has since been spotted wearing a protective boot, most recently during Thursday’s Battlefield video game event alongside Jesse Lingard and Joe Gomez.
Jurgen Klopp is expected to be without the defender for this weekend’s contest, as well as next Friday’s visit to Wolverhampton Wanderers, reports the Liverpool Echo’s James Pearce.
The England international also appears an early doubt to face Newcastle United when the two sides meet on Boxing Day.
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Liverpool are also set to be without central defenders Joe Gomez (fractured leg) and Joel Matip (fractured collarbone) for up to the next six weeks.
James Milner is likely to step back into the right-back role he thrived in against Bournemouth as Nathaniel Clyne continues to work towards full match fitness.
Fabinho is another alternative at full-back in light of his experience in defence for both Monaco and Brazil, and could also be called on as a centre-back if Dejan Lovren struggles to stay fit.
Testing circumstances could call for drastic measures across a vital festive period.