Liverpool star Joel Matip out for six weeks with a broken collarbone

LIVERPOOL are set to be without Joel Matip for six weeks after he suffered a broken collarbone.

Reds boss Jurgen Klopp faces something of a defensive crisis with Joe Gomez already out and Dejan Lovren still recovering.

Lovren played the final seconds of Liverpool's 1-0 win over Napoli last night - of which Matip played the full game - but is still lacking match fitness.

Meanwhile, Gomez broke his leg during the 3-1 win away to Burnley this month.

Liverpool had been sweating on the fitness of Matip overnight, after a hefty collision late in the win at Anfield last night left him writhing in pain.

He was sent to hospital for a scan, which confirmed the news he'd broken his collarbone.

Fellow Reds defender Trent Alexander-Arnold was also taken off during the game with a knock he described as "painful".

Liverpool next take on Manchester United at the weekend and could resort to a makeshift back four.

James Milner started at right-back for the 4-0 demolition of Bournemouth last weekend, while Lovren - lacking match fitness - may be forced into a start.

Virgil van Dijk and Andrew Robertson are likely to complete the back line for the derby game.