Liverpool will be without midfielder Harvey Elliott for several weeks after he broke his foot in training.
Elliott had to withdraw from the England Under-21 squad for their September internationals after complaining of “discomfort”.
The Times report that after undergoing medical tests, Liverpool have discovered that Elliott is ready for a spell on the sidelines.
A fractured foot it means Elliott will miss a period of seven games in three weeks before the October international break, although there is no guarantee he can return immediately after that window.
Elliott was one of Arne Slot’s best players during pre-season but has played just seven minutes of football so far this season, with the Dutchman preferring a midfield trio of Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai.
The Times He adds that Elliott, who is in his sixth season at Anfield, is now predominantly seen as an attacking midfielder rather than a winger after bringing in Federico Chiesa from Juventus just before the summer transfer deadline. The Italian international is yet to make his debut and has been building up fitness after being frozen out by Juve in the summer.
Mac Allister suffered an adductor injury while away with Argentina last week, although Slot will be bolstered by the return of Curtis Jones from a muscle problem.
Liverpool will return to Premier League action at home to Nottingham Forest on Saturday, before kicking off their UEFA Champions League campaign on Tuesday against seven-time winners AC Milan.
