Liverpool forward Diogo Jota will miss the World Cup due to an injury he sustained during the 1-0 win over Manchester City on Sunday.
The Portuguese star pulled up in the closing stages of the match at Anfield with a calf injury. He was subsequently taken off on a stretcher.
Speaking after the match, Reds boss Jurgen Klopp confirmed that the injury was "not good", although was unable to give a definitive answer regarding its seriousness.
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However, prior to Liverpool's Premier League clash with West Ham on Wednesday, the German has revealed that Jota will miss the World Cup, which begins in November.
He explained (quotes via Sky Sports): "[It is a] pretty serious injury in the calf muscle, and now the recovery process starts. That's it, pretty much.
"That is the first diagnosis, which is pretty clear, and all the rest will now follow in the next few days.
"It is very sad news for the boy, and for us as well, of course, [and] for Portugal. But no [he doesn't need an operation].
"It will have a big impact. So, now we can say that because he will not be in for a long time; we talk about months."
Who could replace Diogo Jota?
Since signing from Wolves in the summer of 2020, Diogo Jota has become an integral part of Liverpool's attack.
The Portugal international has scored 34 goals in 94 appearances for the club.
His injury leaves Liverpool light on numbers in attack. Luis Diaz will also be out until after the World Cup due to injury.
The Reds do have Fabio Carvalho and Harvey Elliott who can both play in wide areas, although Elliott has been required to play more often in central midfield due to selection issues in that position.
Darwin Nunez could also come into the team, either at centre forward or as a wide striker, given he played both roles at previous club Benfica.
Alternatively, Klopp could look towards the fringes of his first team, or at the academy, to find a Jota replacement.
Harvey Blair: Liverpool's future attacking talent
At 19 years of age, young winger Harvey Blair has already had a taste of first team action for Liverpool. He started the Reds' 2-0 win over Preston North End in the Carabao Cup fourth round last season.
Blair was invited to train with the first team the day before the match at Deepdale, before Klopp picked him in his starting XI.
The youngster featured in Liverpool's under-18 squad last season, scoring 14 goals. This earned him a call-up to the under-23s.
Blair has also scored two goals in six appearances in the Premier League 2 this term. In addition, he started the U21 side's 1-0 defeat to Rochdale in the Papa John's Trophy last month.
Primarily a right winger, the 19-year-old could be a viable option for Liverpool's starting XI, if Klopp deems him ready. The Reds will be desperate to avoid any injury to Mohamed Salah in the coming weeks, meaning rotation may be necessary.
Topics: Liverpool, Premier League, Diogo Jota, Jurgen Klopp
Ryan Smart