Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho will be out until the beginning of 2016 after a scan revealed ligament damage to the French international's knee.
Sakho, 25, sustained the injury after landing awkwardly following an aerial challenge during the first half of Sunday's 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace at Anfield. The defender attempted to carry on, but was replaced by Jurgen Klopp five minutes before half-time and departed Anfield on crutches.
Liverpool revealed the results of the scan Wednesday, which will require Sakho to sit out for six to eight weeks to allow the ligament to heal.
The news could have been worse for the 25-year-old. Liverpool medical staff initially thought Sakho may have snapped his anterior cruciate ligament, according to multiple reports in the British press.
The defender had already been ruled out of France's upcoming friendlies against Germany and England, and will now try to return in time for two crucial Premier League matches in January, 2016.
Liverpool play Arsenal on Jan. 12, 2016 and then face Manchester United on Jan. 16.