Liverpool have been given an early boost ahead of their Champions League opener against Napoli - after the Italian side confirmed that their leading marksman Victor Osimhen is struggling with a muscle injury.
The Reds will kick off their European campaign with a trip to Naples on Wednesday night, and with Ajax and Rangers also in Group A, Jurgen Klopp's side will have to be at their best if they are to make their aspirations of advancing to the latter stages of the competition a reality.
Liverpool are bidding to clinch a seventh European crown after coming up short against Real Madrid in last year's final - and the absence of Osimhen could make life significantly easier for Klopp's men on the opening night of the new campaign.
The Nigerian striker has established himself as one of the most deadly finishers in Europe and attracted widespread interest from a host of high-profile clubs in the summer after plundering 18 goals in all competitions for the Serie A outfit last term.
Osimhen has already netted twice in five league matches in the new campaign - but a statement released by Napoli on Monday has revealed that the 23-year-old trained away from the rest of the team due to a muscle injury and is a doubt for the midweek meeting with Liverpool.
“Osimhen trained separately from the team due to a muscle problem suffered in the final minutes of Lazio-Napoli,” Napoli said in an official club statement.
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Osimhen's absence would come as a boost to a Liverpool side that have been plagued by injuries themselves during the opening weeks of the season. The Reds have had a whole host of established first-team names unavailable; particularly in midfield, with the likes of Thiago Alcantara, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita and Fabio Carvalho all still sidelined.
Jordan Henderson is the latest Reds midfielder to be struck down after he limped off during Saturday's 0-0 draw with Everton in the Merseyside derby.
Klopp did manage to bolster his options in the middle of the park with the deadline day capture of Arthur Melo, who has joined the club on a season-long loan from Juventus. However, the Brazilian midfielder has a chequered injury history himself; something that could evolve into another issue for Liverpool in the coming months given the physical demands of the Premier League.
Liverpool's problems elsewhere on the pitch have, at least, subsided ahead of this week's Champions League opener. Roberto Firmino has been in red-hot form after working his way back to fitness, while Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez both returned to action at Goodison Park after being sidelined through injury and suspension respectively.
