Liverpool vs Arsenal: Divock Origi ruled out for another month after undergoing knee surgery

Liverpool have suffered a fresh injury blow ahead of their clash against Arsenal on Wednesday (13 January) after Divock Origi was ruled out for another month following knee surgery. The Reds striker was expected to return for the game against the Gunners after his recovery from a hamstring injury he suffered during their 1-0 win over Leicester City on Boxing Day.

According to the Guardian, a separate knee injury has forced the Belgium international to return to his homeland and undergo surgery, which is expected to keep him out at least for another month. He is expected to return midway through February following the latest setback leaving Jurgen Klopp short in the striker's department.

The German manager is already without Danny Ings and Daniel Sturridge, with the former ruled out for the rest of the season, while the latter is undergoing a special training regime following a spate of injuries, which have restricted his appearances in the last one year. Christian Benteke is the only fit striker available to Klopp for the visits of Arsenal and Manchester United in the next five days.

The report claims that Origi, who underwent the surgery in Belgium, will miss at least five Premier League games along with the Merseyside club's third round FA Cup replay with Exeter City and their League Cup semi-final second leg against Stoke City. The former Borussia Dortmund manager is expected to deploy midfielder Roberto Firmino in a more advanced role.

Liverpool are facing a major injury crisis ahead of a busy fixture period with 11 first-team stars on the treatment table. Klopp, however, has provided a positive update on some of the players, with Kolo Toure, Mamadou Sakho and Jordan Henderson expected to feature against the north London club.