Jürgen Klopp has confirmed that Liverpool's Divock Origi has indeed had surgery on a long-term knee issue that plagued him earlier on in the season and remains hopeful of having a number of important players available for Wednesday's game against Arsenal.
The Reds welcome the Gunners, who currently sit two points clear at the summit of the Barclays Premier League table, to Anfield looking for a win to reignite their charge towards the top-four after an underwhelming festive period.
But Origi will not be involved after the German opened up about the Belgian striker's recent procedure on a knee problem.
The 20-year-old flew back to his homeland to have the work done, but has since returned to Melwood to continue his rehabilitation from a hamstring strain picked up against Leicester City on Boxing Day and Klopp is confident there won't be an extensive added lay-off to the initial time out he was recommended.
Origi's procedure only very minor "clean-up"
The manager told Liverpoolfc.com that it "wasn't really surgery" but rather "a clean-up of his knee." He explained that it was "a little thing to do" and that the Reds decided it was a "good moment" for Origi to have the surgery, although "not the best" because "of his other injury" meaning he would already be on the sidelines.
Klopp insisted that Origi is now back on Merseyside and that "everything is okay" and "he is on time" - suggesting he could be back in the team earlier than expected and within "a few weeks."
More options available for Arsenal, says Klopp
Despite the young striker's absence for the Anfield clash with Arsenal, Klopp does at least have a few first-team squad members back from other injuries.
"The rest are looking better, fitness-wise," he continued, as he said that "all of the other guys trained."
He said that Mamadou Sakho was back at Melwood and "looked good", as did James Milner and Jordan Henderson - whom he said was "very good."
Klopp stated that his options are "now more" than just a few days ago and admitted he is hopeful of being able to "build a good squad" for Wednesday's fixture.
Steven Caulker, who signed for the Reds on loan for the rest of the season on Tuesday, could make his debut.