Liverpool have been hit with a major injury blow after it was confirmed that Fabinho will be out until next year with an ankle injury.
The midfielder picked up the issue when Napoli forward Hirving Lozano inadvertently fell onto him during the sides' 1-1 draw at Anfield on Wednesday.
And he has since undergone a scan confirming ankle ligament damage that will keep him out of action for between six and eight weeks.
Since forcing his way into the starting XI midway through last season, Fabinho has arguably cemented himself as Liverpool's key man in central midfield.
The 26-year-old was a vital part of the Reds' run to Champions League success last term, and has been just important in a near-flawless start to the new Premier League season.
His absence is particularly poorly timed given the raft of fixtures that await Jurgen Klopp's side in December.
Nine games, including two in the Club World Cup and a vital European trip to RB Salzburg, await Liverpool next month.
"It's absolutely bad news, nothing good to say about that," Klopp said. "On the timeframe, we are not sure 100% but it looks pretty sure he won't be involved in the Christmas fixtures.
"We've got solutions for that, for the position. We can replace him. We have to find solutions, we are not the only team with injured players and that's what we have to deal with."
Their chances of a long-awaited Premier League success are also likely to become clearer during a run that features a visit to high-flying Leicester City on Boxing Day.
