Summer signing Tosin Adarabioyo and Axel Disasi are the main contenders to take Fofana’s place at centre-back, while Cucurella’s absence could see Renato Veiga redeployed or even a first league appearance of the season for Ben Chilwell.

It has been a curious aspect of the fixture list so far that Liverpool's first seven games have pitted them against sides currently outside the Premier League's top half. A tally

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has enjoyed a record-breaking start to his tenure at Anfield but has been measured in his response as he says they have yet to face a top side, although that is all about to change with the visit of in-form Chelsea.