Ibrahima Konate has added to Liverpool’s growing injury problems.
Konate suffered a hamstring issue during last weekend’s FA Cup fourth round exit to Brighton & Hove Albion which is set to rule him out for a fortnight.
The France international will miss Saturday’s trip to Wolves, the Merseyside derby with Everton and a potential clash away at Newcastle on February 18.
Jurgen Klopp’s side could also be without Konate for their Champions League last-16 first leg encounter with Real Madrid on February 21 at Anfield.
His lay-off is set to compound the Reds’ already considerable casualty list with defensive partner Virgil van Dijk already sidelined for up to a month.
Forwards Roberto Firmino, Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz are also out of action alongside loanee midfielder Arthur Melo, who has played just 14 minutes.
Konate has featured in just nine of Liverpool’s 31 competitive fixtures this season after suffering a knee injury in a pre-season friendly with Strasbourg.
The 23-year-old’s return to fitness saw him start all three group games of France’s run to the World Cup final, a game he featured in as a substitute.
In his absence, Liverpool have only Joel Matip, Joe Gomez and Nat Phillips available as senior centre-backs while Rhys Williams was recalled from loan.
Williams had joined Blackpool for a season-long spell but returned to Anfield as cover if Phillips secured a touted move away before the transfer deadline.
Academy graduate Billy Koumetio is another who was recalled from a spell with Austria Vienna in light of Van Dijk’s hamstring injury earlier this month.