Liverpool forward Diogo Jota's injury is 'complicated' and his absence is expected to be 'long-term', according to an update from injury analyst Ben Dinnery.
The Lowdown: Jota missing for a while
The Reds have again found themselves struggling with injuries this season, with Jurgen Klopp having to make do without some key players for long periods.
Jota falls into that category after being stretchered off in the 1-0 win at home to Manchester City in the Premier League in October, and he was subsequently ruled out of the World Cup.
The hope was that the 26-year-old would make a fast recovery from his knee issue but that doesn't seem to be the case, following a new revelation.
The Latest: Long-term injury blow
Speaking to GiveMeSport, Dinnery admitted that Jota's knee injury is a serious one and that he won't be returning to action for a while.
The injury analyst said:
"With Diogo Jota, it is slightly more complicated and it is very much long-term.
"He will be going out to Dubai but that is purely just to continue his rehab, and for a change of scenery, get a bit of sun on his back, and psychologically it can be a bit of a boost to get away and change your environment."
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The Verdict: Huge miss for Reds
There is no denying that this is a huge blow for Liverpool, even if they knew Jota was out for a long time already, with the Portuguese forward such a potent attacking figure at Anfield.
The 26-year-old has scored 34 goals in 93 appearances for the Reds and has the ability to pop up with crucial strikes - like those at Manchester City and Arsenal last season, for example - showcasing his ruthlessness in the final third.
Without Jota available for much of the season, Klopp desperately needs his other attackers to stay fit, with Luis Diaz hopefully back after the World Cup and Darwin Nunez continuing to improve in a Reds shirt.