Sadio Mane faces up to eight weeks out of action as the Liverpool forward prepares to undergo surgery on his knee injury.
Mane’s debut season with the Reds was prematurely curtailed by the problem picked up during his side’s Merseyside derby win over Everton earlier this month.
The Senegal international’s damaged meniscus will be operated upon in London on Tuesday as he aims to be in contention for Liverpool’s pre-season campaign.
Since securing a £30 million move from Southampton last summer, Mane has been a highly influential figure for Jurgen Klopp’s side, scoring 13 goals in total.
His involvement at the Africa Cup of Nations during January coincided with a downturn in fortunes as Liverpool’s Premier League title hopes faded.