Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that Fabinho will be absent for Liverpool's game at West Ham on Sunday.
The Brazilian missed the win at Tottenham in midweek due to a muscle problem that will again keep him out.
Fabinho has been crucial in covering at the back having been used as a makeshift centre-half amid the Reds' injury crisis.
But the Premier League champions will have to take on an in form Hammers side without the 27-year-old despite Klopp being optimistic regarding a swift return.
"There are still glimpse of hope that it's not that serious," he told reporters.
"We don't have the final result because the scan didn't happen yet, so we'll know more in three or four hours, hopefully. No chance for the weekend."
Joel Matip also suffered an injury blow in north London which will further stretch Liverpool's resources.
Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez have been sidelined with long-term injuries which has affected the Reds' form.
They are in danger of relinquishing their Premier League crown and have been urged to sign a centre-half before January is over.
Liverpool have so far made no moves in the transfer window but Klopp insists they are doing all they can.
He added: "I don’t know but we will try. It would be funny when you all think: ‘Ahh, Liverpool is just fine with the situation, they don’t care and they don’t try’.
"We try, but how you know, there’s nothing to say until something happens so we will see.
"The situation yesterday didn’t make it easier or whatever but it’s still just that we try to do the right things.
"If that’s possible we will do it, if not then not."
Liverpool are currently seven points behind league leaders Manchester City ahead of their clash at the London Stadium.
