Martin Skrtel has confirmed that he tore a hamstring during Liverpool's 3-0 loss at Watford and expects to be sidelined for six weeks.
Skrtel had a scan at Melwood on Tuesday to assess the damage after he limped off before half-time in Sunday's game.
The club had yet to announce how long Skrtel would be out of action, but the 31-year-old posted on his Instagram account, writing: "After all rumours going around, I want to say the time I will spend on sideline won't be three months.
"After I suffered tear in my hamstring and tendon I will be out for six weeks.
"I will work hard on my recovery and will do everything to come back as soon as possible and even stronger than before! Thanks for your support!"
The centre-back's absence is nonetheless a further unwanted injury blow for manager Jurgen Klopp.
He is hoping to have Dejan Lovren fit in time to face Leicester City at Anfield on Boxing Day after a gashed knee sustained against West Bromwich Albion ruled him out of the trip to Watford.
Mamadou Sakho did regain fitness in time to return to the side at Vicarage Road, where he and Skrtel endured a torrid afternoon against the Hornets' front pair of Troy Deeney and Odion Ighalo.
The loss of Skrtel will narrow Klopp's choice in the centre of defence for a busy spell of fixtures, with the rarely used Kolo Toure his only other recognised option.
Skrtel is set to miss the Boxing Day visit of Leicester followed by league fixtures against Sunderland, West Ham United, Arsenal, Manchester United and Norwich City, along with a two-legged Capital One Cup semifinal against Stoke City and the FA Cup third-round tie away to Exeter City.