Emre Can Reportedly Will Miss Rest of Season with Back Injury

Liverpool midfielder Emre Can is reportedly set to miss the rest of the season with a back injury.

According to Neil Moxley of the Daily Mirror, the Germany international's hopes of appearing at the 2018 FIFA World Cup may also be in jeopardy.

The piece noted Can's "back injury is far worse than originally thought and he could have already kicked his last ball for the Anfield giants" amid continued links to Juventus. The 24-year-old's contract with the Reds is set to expire at the end of the season.

Manager Jurgen Klopp said recently Can was "very close" to being fit, but things have taken a turn for the worse for the midfielder, according to Moxley.

The news would be a huge loss to Liverpool, with injuries beginning to mount up in Klopp's squad.

Joel Matip was ruled out for the rest of the season on Tuesday, while Adam Lallana and Joe Gomez are also sidelined. The Reds were also given a scare against Manchester City on Wednesday when Mohamed Salah was substituted with a groin problem.

The Reds ran riot during that 3-0 rout without Can. Journalist Joel Rabinowitz is unsure why the former Bayer Leverkusen man wants to leave the Anfield club:

Liverpool are on the cusp of the UEFA Champions League semi-finals after their 3-0 win against their Premier League rivals. However, the rigours of a long season appear to be taking effect on this Reds squad.

With the quarter-final second leg at City on Tuesday in mind, Can's absence is especially pertinent given captain Jordan Henderson will be suspended for the fixture.