Liverpool have been handed a fresh injury concern after Takumi Minamino was forced to withdraw from the Japan squad after picking up a knock.
The Japan FA announced on Saturday that Minamino was leaving the national team “due to an injury” and wouldn't feature in Tuesday's World Cup qualifier against China.
Despite linking up with Japan earlier this week, the Reds man did not feature his side’s 1-0 defeat to Oman on Thursday.
“Midfielder Takumi Minamino (Liverpool FC) has been withdrawn from the team due to an injury at SAMURAI BLUE, which is active for the Asian final qualifying (Road to Qatar) China national team match,” a statement from the Japan FA read.
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“We will inform you of additional convened players to replace Minamino as soon as they are decided."
And although the ECHO understands that Minamino's injury is not serious, it does hand Jurgen Klopp a headache after he also saw Roberto Firmino injured during the recent draw against Chelsea at Anfield.
Liverpool have not yet provided a full update on the Brazilian's condition.
The injuries leaves just Divock Origi as back up to Diogo Jota, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah - with many Liverpool fans believing the club failed to strengthen their forward line during the summer transfer window.
Minamino arrived at Anfield amid much fanfare in January 2020 with his £7.25million fee seen as making him a bargain buy.
However, having impressed with the Austrians in the Champions League, he struggled to replicate such form in England.
Since his Anfield arrival, Minamino has only made 31 appearances for the Reds, scoring four times and claiming two assists, and spent the second half of last season on loan Southampton.
Minamino moved on loan to the south coast on deadline day back in February, after Jurgen Klopp allowed him to leave in search of more game time.
But the Japan international experienced more inconsistency during his time with the Saints, scoring twice in his first two appearances for the club before a loss of form towards the end of the season.
And although he was linked with a Liverpool exit in the summer, the forward remained at the club and has been on the bench for his side’s opening three Premier League games of the season.
