Liverpool have confirmed that defender Virgil van Dijk will undergo surgery after sustaining a knee injury during the weekend's Merseyside derby.
The Netherlands international had to be substituted during the opening stages of the Reds' 2-2 draw with Everton on Saturday following a rash challenge from Toffees goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
Scroll through the gallery above for images of the challenge that resulted in Van Dijk's injury
Van Dijk underwent scans after the match in order to determine the extent of his injury, and it has now been confirmed that the 29-year-old suffered ligament damage to his right knee and will be required to undergo surgery.
"Liverpool FC can confirm Virgil van Dijk will undergo surgery on the knee injury he sustained during Saturday's 2-2 draw at Everton," the club announced via its official website on Sunday.
"The centre-back damaged knee ligaments following an incident involving Blues goalkeeper Jordan Pickford after six minutes at Goodison Park. Van Dijk was required to be substituted and further assessment on the injury has revealed an operation will be needed.
"No specific timescale is being placed upon his return to action at this stage. Following surgery, Van Dijk will begin a rehabilitation programme with the club's medical team to enable him to reach full fitness as soon as possible."
The average recovery period following surgery to repair the anterior cruciate ligament is between six to 12 months, which means Van Dijk is likely to be sidelined for the remainder of the Reds' 2020/21 campaign.
His absence comes as a massive blow for Liverpool as he had featured in every minute of the previous 74 league matches for Jurgen Klopp's side, while the club is also short on defensive cover following Dejan Lovren's departure to Zenit St. Petersburg.
That leaves only Joe Gomez and Joel Matip as the recognised centre-back options, although the club does have Rhys Williams, Sepp van den Berg, Nathaniel Phillips and Billy Koumetio waiting in the wings, while defensive midfielder Fabinho has also filled the role in the past.