Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp admits they 'desperately' need forward Takumi Minamino to stay fit to cover for the absences of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.
With two of his first-choice front line away for a month at the Africa Cup of Nations and Divock Origi still injured, the Reds boss is relying on Roberto Firmino, Diogo Jota and a fit-again Minamino.
The Japan international has scored nine times in 45 appearances but two thirds of those goals have come in just five Carabao Cup ties, with the competition offering the 26-year-old his best opportunities since arriving from RB Salzburg two years ago.