Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has been sidelined until the New Year by ankle ligament damage.
Oxlade-Chamberlain landed awkwardly while making a challenge during Liverpool’s Club World Cup final win over Flamengo last weekend.
The England international wore a protective boot and crutches as he took part in the celebrations of the Reds’ historic victory at Qatar’s Khalifa Stadium.
It led to fears that Oxlade-Chamberlain could be facing another lengthy lay-off similar to the one he endured with a serious knee injury in April 2018.
But Jurgen Klopp downplayed the prospect of the 26-year-old enduring a prolonged spell despite admitting he will miss Liverpool’s festive schedule.
He said “With Oxlade, the ankle, [is as] we probably expected.
“You have three ligaments on the outside of the ankle, one of them is damaged and now we have to see how quick we can fix that. I don’t know exactly.
“I did the injury myself but it was years ago! It can take a while or it can be quicker, we have to see.
“But no chance for Thursday, no chance this year – Oxlade will not play anymore, that’s clear. We have to see how quick it can settle.”
The Liverpool manager also confirmed that Joel Matip and Dejan Lovren will miss the Boxing Day trip to Leicester City as they continue their recoveries.