Jurgen Klopp admits Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita has been left devastated by the news that he will be sidelined for around two months due to a serious groin injury.
A scan revealed that the £52.75million signing ruptured his adductor muscle in Wednesday's Champions League semi-final defeat to Barcelona in the Nou Camp.
Keita will miss the Reds' run-in as they compete for the Premier League title and the second leg against Barca at Anfield next Tuesday as well as the final if Klopp's men progress.
A Premier League title-deciding play-off between Liverpool and Man City could happen - here's how
He will also sit out June's Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt having helped Guinea qualify for the competition.
Liverpool hope he will be fit close to the start of pre-season training in July.
“It was really unlucky. It's bad news,” Klopp confirmed.
“He has a high grade adductor injury. The tendon is ruptured. It will keep him out for at least two months.
“It's bad news for us and for Guinea as well because the Africa Cup of Nations is coming up.
Liverpool announce details of lucrative new training kit deal
“He was in a really, really good moment but it's happened. That's how football and life sometimes are. Not too nice. It's very serious.
“On the one side he won't be involved be involved in an interesting part of the season and on the other hand side Guinea aren't a regular starter in the Africa Cup of Nations and that was for sure a big target for him.
“Of course he's not in a good moment but that's when you have to help the players. We will try everything we can.”
Meanwhile, Klopp says he has yet to decide whether Roberto Firmino will return to the starting line up against Newcastle on Saturday.
The Brazil striker only came off the bench late on against Barcelona in midweek after being hampered by a groin problem.
"We will see," Klopp added.
