Jose Enrique has undergone surgery on his knee that will leave him facing an extended period on the sidelines.
The Spaniard has only started half of Liverpool's Premier League games after nursing through with his injury - but last week club doctors eventually decided it was time to stop treating the symptoms and treat the problem.
The club have said that the player will likely be out for around 10 weeks - meaning he will miss a vast swathe of crucial fixtures before he returns sometime in February.
Liverpool have utilised some differing strategies for the absence of Enrique, in both the 3 and 4 at the back systems, with both Flanagan and Cissokho used as cover.
Enrique has had mixed periods of form in the Liverpool shirt since his arrival two years ago, but he will be a big loss for the reds in the months ahead. He has the best record of a Liverpool player in the current season.
We wish Jose all the best in his recovery.
