Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher has been handed another devastating injury blow ahead of a potential international debut.

The 22-year-old stopper was originally included in Stephen Kenny’s Republic of Ireland squad for the upcoming international break, with the Boys in Green now unfortunately confirming that he has had to pull out.

An ongoing abdominal tear has kept him on the sidelines at Anfield, with the problem also now seemingly putting paid to his chances of appearing for his country this month in World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Luxembourg, as well as a friendly versus Qatar.

It will be a hugely disappointing development for Kelleher as he was in line to not only make his debut for his nation but also stake a claim for the Number 1 shirt with regular stopper Darren Randolph also ruled out with injury.

That certainly would have been another remarkable step for the young stopper who has seized his chance under Jurgen Klopp this season.

Following an injuriy to Alisson Becker, Kelleher was able to make both his UEFA Champions League and Premier League debuts, making five appearances in all competitions for the Reds.

He had conceded just three goals within those five games and managed to keep two clean sheets.

However, since appearing in the 1-0 loss against Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield, Kelleher has been ruled out with his injury, not even appearing on the bench since, meaning Adrian played when Alisson was given compassionate leave follwing the death of his father.

There were fleeting hopes that Kelleher would return in time for Liverpool’s clash with Fulham two weeks ago, but he was still ruled out with a problem that now looks slightly more serious than first feared.

Devastatingly for Kelleher, it not only looks to have disrupted his debut season in the Reds’ first-team but it has also brought his short-term international aspirations down, too.

Given that he would have likely have been given a chance to feature for his country, and stake a claim to be Ireland's number one, Kelleher will be gutted to have been ruled out for the next few weeks.

AND in more news, read which youngster Jurgen Klopp has to give a chance in the Anfield first-team during the 2021/22 season...