An awful week in an awful season got even worse for Liverpool this afternoon when the full extent of the injuries suffered by a trio of stars in last night’s defeat to Reading was revealed.
Fans were anxious for news with Fernando Torres going off after half an hour and Steven Gerrard not returning to the action after the half-time break.
After the game manager Rafa Benítez told the media about the injuries and added another name to the list: “Both players will have a scan and we have to wait for the doctor. Gerrard has a problem with his hamstring and Torres twisted his knee.
“Yossi Benayoun also has some problems with his ribs so again we will have to wait.”
The waiting is now over and it’s far from good news. Torres requires an operation and will miss at least ten games, including 8 league games. Benayoun could miss the next six league games and Gerrard looks set to miss the next four.
A spokesman for LFC explained: “Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres both underwent scans earlier today after coming off in the FA Cup tie against Reading.
“Steven has a hamstring strain and will be out for a fortnight, while Fernando has torn a cartilage in his right knee. The injury will require surgery and he is expected to be sidelined for six weeks.
“Yossi Benayoun also suffered a fractured rib in the game and will be unavailable for between three and four weeks.”
The only consolation to supporters might be that with it happening during a transfer window Liverpool are allowed to sign some long or short-term replacements to help cover the huge gaps the squad now has. Of course given the state of the club’s finances – Rafa has made a profit on transfers so far in this window and in both of the last two windows – it’s unlikely that the Reds will exercise that right to buy some cover.
Some urgent re-thinking is required on the part of the club’s hierarchy, in particular Christian Purslow, to find some of the huge increases in income the club has enjoyed in recent seasons and put it into the “player account” for some new signings.
Games set to be missed:
Torres, Benayoun and Gerrard: Stoke (A), Tottenham (H), Wolves (A), Bolton (H)
Torres and Benayoun: Everton (H) Arsenal (A)
Torres: Unirea (H), Man City (A), Unirea (A), Blackburn (H)