Liverpool will be without Roberto Firmino for Thursday's trip to Manchester City after he suffered a calf injury earlier this week.
The Brazil international started both games in Dubai against Lyon and AC Milan and had been scheduled to play a part in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup at the Etihad when Jurgen Klopp's side play their first competitive fixture since November 12.
However an impact injury to his calf, picked up in training, has ruled out Firmino for the game as a precaution. The former Hoffenheim man has since undergone a scan and the damage is not thought to be serious.
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With Klopp also without Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota for the next few weeks at least, Firmino has not been risked as Liverpool continue their defence of the League Cup against Pep Guardiola's men.
It is hoped Firmino will be able to play some part of Liverpool's festive schedule that sees them host Leicester City on December 30 after a meeting with Aston Villa in Birmingham on Boxing Day. The Reds also travel to Brentford on January 2.
Firmino, who is free to speak to clubs outside of England about a pre-contract deal in January, has scored nine goals in all competitions this term and is second only to Mohamed Salah at Anfield.
