Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has indicated he will try to sign a new midfielder with the news Vladimir Smicer will be out for six months.
The Czech star faces six months on the sidelines
Smicer has had surgery on his right knee to repair knee ligament damage picked up during pre-season.
"It is hard for him and for us but I hope he has strength of mind to come back from this," said Benitez after his team's pre-season defeat to Porto.
"He is with us and we are with him. But we will try for a right-midfielder."
The Czech Euro 2004 star played in the first half of their 5-1 friendly win over Celtic on Tuesday and underwent surgery on Friday.
A club spokesman added: "It is disappointing news for both him and the club. We wish him well as he begins his recovery."