From missing out on Jude Bellingham to selling Mo Salah: The potentially COLOSSAL cost of Liverpool failing to finish in the top four

It's top-four or bust for Liverpool this season, then.

Having played for everything last term, the Reds find themselves scrapping for the bare minimum this time around.

They were out of the title race by October, and by the end of January they had been eliminated from both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup.

Defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League last 16 means there will be no silverware at Anfield, but of even greater concern now will be the fear that Jurgen Klopp's side could miss out on qualification for next season's competition.

That looks a real possibility, with Liverpool currently seven points behind fourth-placed Tottenham – albeit with two games in hand – and facing trips to Manchester City and Chelsea, as well as a home clash with league leaders Arsenal, in their next three matches.

🏆 TOP STORY: Gavi loses first-team status at Barca

📣 HAVE YOUR SAY: Who should replace Conte at Spurs?

🚨 MUST READ: Why Ansu Fati MUST leave Barca!

Klopp has already referred to that run of games as "a defining week", and certainly by April 9 we should know whether Liverpool have any chance at all of taking their place among Europe's elite next season.

if they don't, then there could be dire consequences, on more than one front.

Here, GOAL takes a look at the worrying situation facing Klopp and his team...