Swedish defender Filip Helander could be out until after the midwinter break after injuring his foot at Hampden against Celtic.
Steven Gerrard has revealed that initial scans taken in the aftermath of the Hampden showpiece have delivered bad news.
Gerrard said: “Specialist are looking at Filip’s scans and he certainly won’t be available in the short term.
"The initial reports aren’t fantastic but we should know more after the game.”
The absence will mean a chance for Nikola Katic or George Edmundson to stake a claim to partnering Connor Golsdson at the heart of the defence.
22-year-old Katic began the season as first choice before losing his place to the £3.5m former Bologna ace for the 1-0 win at Ibrox against Feyenoord in September.
There was better news regarding influential Northern Ireland midfielder Steven Davis.
While the silky midfielder will miss tomorrow's Europa League tie with Young Boys, he is pushing to be fit to face Motherwell on Sunday.
