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Jurgen Klopp had one thing on his mind as he left Liverpool's historic Melwood training base for the final time. No injuries — whatever happens, let them all come back in good health.

Liverpool are moving to a new headquarters in Kirkby and it was Klopp's wish that all those who had international commitments would return in fine spirits ahead of the top-of-the-table showdown with Leicester on Saturday week. Now, miserably, a cloud will hang over the group when they reconvene.

This has been a campaign pockmarked with injuries for the champions, but there was a desperate turn of events on Wednesday at St George's Park when Joe Gomez suffered damage to his knee that means it is unlikely he will kick a ball again this season.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp hates international breaks and he will be furious at the latest one

Liverpool defender Joe Gomez has suffered a serious injury while in training with England

Nat Phillips (left) and Rhys Williams (right) will be required to step up regularly for Liverpool

England's players knew the severity of the issue as soon as Gomez crumpled and yelped in agony during a training session. Nobody was around him. All he was doing was preparing to make a pass.

'As players, you know when something doesn't seem right,' said goalkeeper Nick Pope. 'You could see he was in a great deal of pain.'

Jordan Henderson, Liverpool's captain, tried to console his club-mate but it was an impossible task as the realisation dawned on 23-year-old Gomez. 

Virgil van Dijk is already out for the season and now Gomez has joined him on treatment table

Trent Alexander-Arnold is also out for the next four weeks after picking up a calf strain injury

Klopp has always had a strong bond with Gomez during his five years in charge at Anfield

He's had to contend with some dreadful times caused by injury and this latest episode will have broken his heart.

Klopp has always had a strong bond with Gomez. One of the first things he did when he became Liverpool boss in 2015 was assure him his future was bright after he had ruptured a cruciate ligament playing for England's Under 21s. 

Gomez had stepped up in the absence of Virgil van Dijk with a string of strong displays. 

Now Gomez and Van Dijk, the defensive duo who delivered the club's first title in 30 years, are both in the treatment room, along with Fabinho and Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is out for a month with calf damage.

Klopp's first thought will be for the player's mental well-being and health. But he will also, in time, consider the possible ramifications for Liverpool's campaign.

Joel Matip, talented but fragile, is the only fit senior centre back. Youngsters Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams, who have impressed recently, will now get chances but there is no escaping how huge this moment could be for the shape of the season. 

Klopp has never liked international breaks. He will be fizzing with fury about this one.

Joel Matip (left) is now the only fit senior centre back that is available for Klopp to call upon