Liverpool could face an FC Porto without their talismanic defensive leader in the UEFA Champions League Group B clash.
The Reds arrived in Portugal on Monday (September 27) ahead of the match but were without their own influential defender as Trent Alexander-Arnold failed to make the trip.
However, that loss may be eased by the absence of Pepe for the hosts as the 38-year-old faces a race against time to prove his fitness.
Porto boss Sergio Conceicao revealed during a pre-match press conference that the ex-Real Madrid superstar did not train yesterday and will need to be monitored prior to the match.
Capped a remarkable 121 times by Portugal, Pepe’s experience would certainly be a huge miss at the back for the home side.
So far this season the ace has made six appearances across all competitions – earning an impressive 7.08 Sofascore rating in the process.
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Liverpool fans need not reminding about what it is like to lose an influential member of the back four.
Despite his advancing years, Pepe still remains a top performer for the Portuguese club and will leave a huge hole should he fail to make the starting lineup.
Reds’ boss Jurgen Klopp will no doubt welcome any untimely opposition absences in light of the absent Alexander-Arnold and plans to heavily rotate the squad.
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