Liverpool's Nat Phillips out for "weeks" with cheekbone fracture

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has revealed that centre-back Nat Phillips will be sidelined for "weeks" with a cheekbone fracture.

The Englishman earned plenty of plaudits for his performance in the Champions League win over AC Milan but complained of facial pain following the San Siro victory.

Ahead of Liverpool's Premier League encounter with Aston Villa, Klopp revealed that Phillips has been dealt a blow after a fracture was confirmed, but surgery will not be needed.

"What a story. Unfortunately it's broken. Not as bad as it could have been," The Athletic quotes the Reds boss as saying.

"No surgery, he can train pretty much from next week. But he needs to be careful until the bone has healed. How long it will take? Around four or five weeks."

Phillips is yet to play a single minute in the 2021-22 Premier League season and is still thought to be on the transfer list for a move elsewhere in January.