Premier League giants Liverpool have, on Saturday, been dealt a hammer blow on the personnel front.
The Red star in line for an extended spell on the sidelines? Arthur Melo.
Brazilian international Arthur, of course, sealed a move to Anfield late in the summer transfer window, granted a loan departure by parent club Juventus after falling heavily out of favour under the watch of Massimiliano Allegri.
The 26-year-old had since been afforded just a solitary appearance by new boss Jurgen Klopp, introduced off the bench late in Liverpool’s Champions League drubbing at the hands of Napoli last month.
Murmurs had begun to spread that, amid fresh concerns over the wellbeing of fellow Reds engine room star Thiago Alcantara, Arthur could finally be afforded the opportunity to impress from the off on Sunday, when Klopp’s men make the trip to the Emirates for a Premier League showdown with high-flying Arsenal.
But, as alluded to above, late on Saturday, such a prospect has been put firmly to bed.
This comes owing to confirmation that Arthur is set to go under the knife over the coming days.
As per the reliable James Pearce of The Athletic, the former Barcelona man picked up an unspecified injury in training during the week, with it since decided by the medical staff on Merseyside that surgery represents the best route to solve the problem.
Arthur, as a result, is expected to remain out of action for three to four months, ending any slim remaining hopes of securing a place in Brazil’s squad for the Qatar World Cup.
Liverpool midfielder Arthur Melo is set to undergo surgery this weekend and is expected to be sidelined for three to four months. #LFC
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— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) October 8, 2022
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