Juergen Klopp said Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson is likely to undergo surgery on the shoulder injury sustained on international duty with Scotland.
The defender was taken off in the first half of Scotland's Euro 2024 qualifier against Spain after he collided with goalkeeper Unai Simon. He walked off with his arm in a makeshift sling and was replaced by Nathan Patterson.
Robertson did not feature in Scotland's friendly against France earlier this week and is now expected to have surgery on his shoulder. He will likely be sidelined for a number of months.
"The decision will go towards surgery. There was a little chance he could try without, but after talking to a lot of experts, it looks like surgery will be the best thing in the long term and that means he is out for a while. I don't know exact for how long, but shoulder surgery is not an easy one," Klopp, the Liverpool manager, said during a news conference on Friday.
"In my experience, he can train pretty quickly again but not football-specific because he has to be careful, there are challenges and all these kinds of things. He will be out for a while."
The injury blow comes ahead of Saturday's Merseyside Derby against Everton at Anfield. Robertson has played in every Premier League game for Liverpool so far this season, but Klopp has other options to replace the left-back. Kostas Tsimikas will be the likely replacement for Robertson, while Joe Gomez can also deputies.
Tonali available
Sandro Tonali is still available for selection at Newcastle United for their game with Crystal Palace, despite the Italian midfielder's ongoing investigation for illegal betting, manager Eddie Howe said on Friday.
Newcastle confirmed on Wednesday that the Italian Prosecutor's Office and Italian Football Federation (FIGC) were looking into Tonali.
"He trained twice this week with us and he's very much available for selection," Howe told reporters. "Like I do with all the players, I analyse their training performances, how they look, how they feel. Sandro has trained well with us."
Victor Lindelof will be ready for Manchester United's trip to Sheffield United on Saturday, four days after returning from Sweden duty in Brussels, where two Swedish fans were killed before a Euro 2024 qualifier against Belgium.
The Belgium-Sweden game was suspended at half time and subsequently abandoned after two were killed and one was seriously injured by a suspected Islamist militant on Monday.
"As Sweden national team captain (Lindelof) had to stay in front and give statements but he dealt with it," United manager Erik ten Hag told a news conference on Friday.
"He's exhausted after it. He didn't sleep overnight. He returned and yesterday (Thursday) he was back in training... (But) Victor has energy and is ready to play this game," he added.
Written with inputs from Reuters
