Tottenham Hotspur are likely to be without talisman Harry Kane for a few weeks after the striker suffered injuries to both ankles during the 3-1 home defeat by Liverpool on Thursday.
Kane, who has scored 12 Premier League goals this season, failed to appear for the second half after twice requiring treatment in the opening period.
It will be a worry for manager Jose Mourinho, especially with Kane's recent history of ankle injuries.
"Two ankles, the first was a bad tackle, it was Thiago, the second one I didn't know well," Mourinho said.
"But two injuries in both ankles, the second one worst than the first one – a few weeks, I don't know."
With a busy period coming up, starting with Sunday's trip to Brighton and Hove Albion and then a home clash with Chelsea next week, Kane's absence would be keenly felt.
Kane's absence was felt on the field against Liverpool, who burst back to life to help the champions return to winning ways.
Goals from Roberto Firmino, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Sadio Mane capped a dominant display by Jurgen Klopp's side whose first league win since a 7-0 thrashing of Crystal Palace on December 19 restored their place in the top four.
Firmino's effort in first-half stoppage time ended Liverpool's barren run of 482 minutes without a league goal.
Alexander-Arnold doubled their lead in the 47th minute before Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg quickly lashed in his first goal for Spurs to give the hosts hope.
With Tottenham's defence unravelling, Mane struck again for the champions in the 65th minute and there was no coming back for Jose Mourinho's side whose disappointment was compounded by an injury to talisman Harry Kane.
Both sides also had goals ruled out by VAR decisions.
Liverpool's seventh successive win over Spurs in all competitions moved them into fourth spot with 37 points from 20 games, four points behind leaders Manchester City who have played a game less. Tottenham stayed sixth with 33 points.
This was not quite Liverpool back to their best but it was an important statement of intent for Klopp's side that they will not be giving up their title without a fight.
