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Blow for Reds as Joel Matip and Xherdan Shaqiri face spell on sidelines

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Liverpool will be without centre-back Joel Matip and midfielder for an extended period of time due to injury.

The Reds are amidst a busy period in their schedule, with fixtures against , , and all in the next week and a half.

Whilst Jurgen Klopp will undoubtedly need to utilise much of his squad, he will be without Matip and Shaqiri to call upon.

Matip has been a mainstay in the Reds defence since the start of the year, however, he has missed three of the last four games with a knee injury.

Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images

Klopp originally downplayed the extent of the injury, telling reporters: “It is just a little thing which usually settles in the two weeks; it did, but then it came up after the United game.

“It is not a massive injury, it's just a bit annoying.”

However, the Cameroonian is now set to be on the sidelines for a further six weeks, meaning he will miss up to 10 games for the Reds.

Assistant manager Pepijn Lijnders told reporters at his pre-Arsenal press conference: “Joel's knee is still irritated—we need to give him time.

“I don't know the exact time he will need but it will really need time to heal.”

With Matip set to miss important games, including against Manchester City, Crystal Palace, and , the likes of and will certainly be required over the coming weeks.

Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images

Meanwhile, Xherdan Shaqiri is also sidelined for the forthcoming fixtures, with Lijnders confirming the Swiss will not be back until after the November international break.

“Shaq will only be back after the international break,” he said.

“We want to give him the time. With a calf injury it is always very high risk, especially with his calves.

“With his calves and problems he had before, reinjury is dangerous. We want to give him time to come back hungry.”

Despite featuring for barely 30 minutes of football this season, Shaqiri provides a different option to much of the Reds squad, one that they may need in the coming weeks.

There is positive news for both and , who are both "fine" after recovering from knocks suffered in the 2-1 over Tottenham at the weekend.

The duo are unlikely to play any part against Arsenal in the League Cup on Wednesday night, with the Reds expected to name a heavily rotated side for the clash.