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.

Come Sunday night, one of the biggest caveats of the Premier League season will be no more. There may be plenty to say about Liverpool, but none of it will come with the rejoinder "but they haven't done it against a top side" once the final whistle has blown at Anfield after Chelsea's visit.