Naby Keita is out for two months in a major blow to Liverpool’s hopes of landing a famous double.
The Guinean midfielder has ruptured a tendon with a high grade abductor injury in the 3-0 defeat to Barcelona on Wednesday.
It rules Keita out of the crucial second leg of the Champions League semi-final, the final two Premier League matches as the Reds chase Manchester City and the African Cup of Nations.
And Jurgen Klopp has shed light on the severity of the injury at the worst possible time for the Reds.
“(It’s) very serious,” Klopp revealed. “It was really unlucky and bad news.
“It’s a high grade abductor injury with tendon rupture, keeps him out for two months I would say.
“Bad news for us, bad news for Guinea as well, because the Africa Cup of Nations is coming up.
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“That is how football and life sometimes are, not too nice.
“For sure it is not the best moment and he will not be part of a very interesting part of the season.
“And the Africa Cup of Nations was a big target for him as well.
“So it is not a good moment but that is the moment you have to help the players. We will try everything we can.”