Liverpool are facing up to potentially losing Joel Matip for a month.
Jurgen Klopp had already ruled Matip out for the Reds’ trip to Brighton due to picking up a recurrence of the problem in Wednesday’s win over Stoke City.
However it is feared that the Cameroon international may be sidelined for longer, barely a week after he returned to action in last weekend’s draw with Chelsea.
Matip’s potential lay-off threatens to leave Liverpool’s options in defence stretched during a difficult month in which they will play eight games in 28 days.
Dejan Lovren and Ragnar Klavan are the only two established centre-backs for the clash with the Seagulls but Klopp also has Joe Gomez at his disposal.
Gomez has spent most of this season deputising at full-back due to Nathaniel Clyne’s own injury problems but can play in central defence.
The Liverpool manager had conceded on Friday that Matip was highly doubtful for the game at the Amex Stadium.
“It looks like Joel Matip is out,” admitted Klopp.
“After the game he had a little problem, felt something muscle-wise.
“We have to make the final assessment but it doesn’t look like he’s available for tomorrow.”