Liverpool’s injury crisis has deepened with Joel Matip a potential long-term absentee.
Manager Jurgen Klopp confirmed the news after a thrilling 4-3 victory over Fulham.
Matip pulled up in discomfort and was then replaced by Ibrahima Konate after 68 minutes.
And his German gaffer doesn’t believe he will have an imminent return despite the swift substitution.
“We lost today Joel. We obviously have no pictures yet, no scan yet, but from what you hear and can see, that will not be a short one,” Klopp said after the victory at Anfield.
“Unlucky, but we have to just get through this.”
The Reds are already without Alisson, Andy Robertson, Diogo Jota, Thiago Alcantara, and Stefan Bajcetic.
Alisson may return in the next week or so with Klopp indicating his muscular injury isn’t too severe.
Jota, though, faces a longer spell out despite a similar injury in the same game against Man City.
Elsewhere, it’s anticipated Scottish superstar Robertson will be out until the New Year after shoulder surgery and Thiago’s timeline for return appears similar.
Meanwhile, Bajcetic continues to work on his fitness as he tries to recover from an adductor issue.
Liverpool will end the weekend third in the Premier League table f Manchester City beat Tottenham after the comeback win over the Cottagers.
They are two points behind leaders Arsenal who they will face in the Premier League and FA Cup third round in the next two months.
