Joe Gomez has been sidelined for six weeks with a fractured leg following a challenge from Burnley captain Ben Mee.
The Liverpool and England youngster was taken off at the 23 minute mark after a tackle on the byline left him writhing in pain.
Gomez has formed a formidable partnership with Virgil Van Dijk so far this season, with the Reds conceding a league-leading number of only six goals to date.
Nonetheless, Liverpool look well equipped to cover what was expected to be a huge loss to the side over the busy festive period.
The Reds began their time without Gomez with a trip to Bournemouth, running out eventual 4-0 winners as James Milner filled in at right-back.
Milner has the experience to fill in at full-back following an extended period playing at left-back in the early stages of Jurgen Klopp’s tenure.
Trent Alexander-Arnold returned to the side to put on a fantastic performance against Napoli as Liverpool qualified for the last 16 of the Champions League, however he appeared to pick up a knock late on in the game.
With natural right-back Nathaniel Clyne also injured, Liverpool still have the option of playing Fabinho in defence. The Brazilian played much of his early career at full-back before moving into a central role at Monaco.
Despite powering through two difficult away trips in the Premier League in Burnley and Bournemouth – as well as progressing in Europe thanks to victory over Napoli at Anfield – there is no time for Liverpool to rest on their laurels as Manchester United travel to Merseyside this weekend.
Although Klopp will be hoping not to field too many square pegs in round holes, his ability to cover the absent Gomez without a dip in form has highlighted Liverpool’s strength in depth since the defender’s injury.