Liverpool are facing somewhat of a defensive crisis after their 1-0 win over Napoli at Anfield on Tuesday.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (foot) and Joel Matip (shoulder) were both forced off in the closing stages of the Reds' crucial Champions League victory.
Whilst the duo underwent scans on their respective injuries today, the club have now confirmed that Matip suffered a broken collarbone that requires surgery.
The Cameroonian will be out of action for up to six weeks, although “that is dependent on how Matip responds to his treatment and rehabilitation programmes.”
This leaves Jurgen Klopp with just Dejan Lovren and Virgil van Dijk at the heart of defence, meaning he will be unable to give either any time off during the busy festive period.
Games Matip will miss
Manchester United (H) - 16 December
Wolverhampton (A) - 21 December
Newcastle (H) - 26 December
Arsenal (H) - 29 December
Manchester City (A) - 3 January
Wolverhampton (A, FA Cup) - 7 January
Brighton (A) - 12 January
Crystal Palace (H) - 19 January
Lovren, who replaced Alexander-Arnold in the 90th minute, has only just made a comeback to the side after niggling injuries and a concussion has seen him miss the majority of Liverpool's first half of the season.
The Croatian centre-back was sidelined for the Reds' three previous games and the hope will be that he can stay fit to partner van Dijk in defence whilst Joe Gomez and Matip are both ruled out.
Klopp's problems will be further compounded if Alexander-Arnold's scans reveal anything more sinister than a knock, with fellow right-back Nathaniel Clyne having only made one appearance all season.
The Reds face Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday and it is likely that if Alexander-Arnold doesn't recover in time, either Fabinho or Milner - who also suffered a knock - could be drafted in at right-back alongside Lovren, van Dijk and Andy Robertson in defence.
