ARTHUR MELO’S injury is “really serious”, confirmed Jurgen Klopp.
And the Liverpool manager added his on-loan midfielder will be out for the “long term”.
Arthur, 26, damaged his left thigh in training earlier in October.
And Klopp reiterated it is bad news.
Asked for an update ahead of Saturday’s home clash with Leeds, the German said: “It’s a really serious injury.
“He’s here. It’s a long-term injury and when he’s back, we’ll think about it again.
“I have no idea how long it will be but it will be long.
“But at the moment, it’s too far away. No [we won’t cut the loan in January].”
Liverpool paid Juventus £4million to take the Brazilian on loan for the season.
He was due to provide cover following injuries in central midfield to Jordan Henderson, Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Curtis Jones and Thiago.
HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
However, he has played just 13 minutes of football for the Reds – and zero in the Premier League.
The ex-Barcelona ace came off the bench for the last 13 minutes in the 4-1 defeat at Napoli in the Champions League.
He has made two further appearances for the youth team in the EFL Trophy and Premier League 2.
Melo, who will miss the World Cup, wrote on Instagram two weeks ago: “It is now time for me to keep my head up and join forces with my family and do everything I need to with my team to make sure I come back stronger as soon as possible.
“No obstacle will prevent me from progressing in my career and I have great ambition to show what I can do on the pitch.
“In the meantime, I will continue to support my Liverpool team-mates and my beloved Brazil national team.”
