Ahead of their titanic clash with Manchester United this Sunday evening, Liverpool were rocked by the news that Roberto Firmino will not be signing a new contract.
The Brazilian forward, 31, will pursue a new challenge after eight years of loyal service on Merseyside, during which he has been crowned a Champions League and Premier League winner. Firmino will receive a fitting send-off as a Liverpool legend later this season - but there is no room for sentimentality as United visit Anfield.
The Reds must keep their four-game unbeaten run going if they are to maintain their growing hopes of bursting into the top four, but face a stern test against their arch-rivals, who have thrust themselves into the title race.
