Arne Slot fears Wataru Endo could be sidelined for an extended period after the Liverpool midfielder was stretchered off during the 1-0 win over Sunderland.
The Japan captain was making his first Premier League start of the season, deputising at right-back, when he sustained a foot injury while clearing a cross aimed at Nilson Angulo at the back post in the second half.
Endo initially attempted to continue but was eventually forced off on a stretcher.
The 33-year-old is set to undergo further assessment on Thursday to determine the full extent of the problem.
However, Slot fears the issue could keep him out for a significant period, dealing another defensive blow to an already injury-hit Liverpool squad.
“Yes, it is a serious one, but how serious we don’t know yet,” the Reds head coach said.
“Because it has to be assessed tomorrow (Thursday) of course, but it doesn’t look good. I am not too sure if it is his ankle, it is his foot but if it is his ankle, that is what we have to assess tomorrow.
“But I assume he will be out for a long time.
“And what is ‘long’ that is difficult to say at this moment but, yes, you can hardly believe what this right-full back position brings us this season.”
Liverpool had explored the possibility of bringing in defensive reinforcements before the January transfer deadline. RB Leipzig’s Lutsharel Geertruida was among their targets, but a deal proved too complicated.
Sunderland, who have Slot’s former Feyenoord captain on loan, were reluctant to sanction a move without securing adequate cover themselves.
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