Liverpool's Dejan Lovren faces a race against time to be fit for the crunch clash with Tottenham on Saturday after sitting out the Reds' 2-0 loss away to Hull.
The Croatian defender reportedly had discomfort in his knee so was asked to sit out as a precaution and will now have an injury scan to determine whether there is any ligament damage, as perLiverpool Echo.
The former Southampton man has become a mainstay under Jurgen Klopp, forging a productive partnership with summer recruit, Joel Matip.
With the Reds currently on a dreadful run of form, one win in their last ten games, the German boss will be desperate not to lose one of his vital defensive components.
Lucas Leiva was drafted in to fill Lovren's boots against Hull and struggled to deal with the intensity of the game as Liverpool slumped to yet another defeat.
The game against Tottenham represents the last chance for Klopp's troops to salvage any hopes of finishing in the top four after their worst start to a year since 1954 - a year in which they were relegated.
Currently sitting in fifth place, just one point ahead of Manchester United, Liverpool are the most out-of-form side in the race for Champions League football, and Klopp is not making any excuses.
We don't look for excuses,� Klopp said.
It's not that we are trying to blame somebody. We are responsible, the squad, myself especially. We have to work on a solution and we will.�
Lovren's fitness could prove crucial if Liverpool are to get a priceless victory with Spurs' attacking forces, Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen, firing on all cylinders of late.