Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson is set to spend another month on the sidelines.
Alisson had been absent for the European champions since suffering a calf injury while taking a goal kick in their opening Premier League win over Norwich City.
The Reds have maintained their reluctance to put a specific time frame on the length of the Brazil international’s setback since the incident on August 9.
In his absence, summer signing Adrian has deputised with the Spanish stopper enjoying a 100 per cent win record with the current Premier League leaders.
But Jurgen Klopp admits that Alisson is unlikely to feature for his side before the next international break in mid-October, ruling him out of the next six games.
They include Saturday’s visit of Newcastle to Anfield, next week’s Champions League group stage clash with Napoli and the September 22 trip to Chelsea.
That means Alisson’s prospective comeback date would be Liverpool’s trip to Manchester United on October 20, but Klopp is continuing to exercise caution.
“He’s improving but we cannot put any pressure on it,” said Klopp.
“It was a really serious injury in the calf and it’s now much better. That’s good for us and good for him but we don’t know [when] exactly.
“The target was always after the next international break he could be ready but we don’t know. Hopefully everything will be fine for the rest of the season.
“That is the plan.”