More woes for Liverpool FC as Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard and Yossi Benayoun all face injury lay-offs

LIVERPOOL have been dealt a shattering triple blow with Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard and Yossi Benayoun all facing spells on the sidelines.

Torres needs surgery on his knee and is expected to be out for six weeks, while Gerrard will be missing for a fortnight with a hamstring strain.

Benayoun has a fractured rib which is likely to keep him out for a month.

The trio were all injured in Wednesday night’s humiliating FA Cup defeat at the hands of Reading.

Torres, who had only recently regained full fitness following a groin injury, was hurt early on against the Royals when he was clattered by Matthew Mills.

The Reds’ 12-goal hitman battled on but finally limped off just before the half hour mark.

With Torres set to be sidelined until the end of February he will miss key league matches against the likes of Spurs, Everton, Arsenal and Manchester City as well as the Europa League tie against Romanian outfit Unirea.

Skipper Gerrard damaged his hamstring in the first half against Reading and didn’t emerge for the second half.
He is now expected to sit out the league matches against Stoke, Spurs, Wolves and Bolton.

The midfielder will face a race against time to be fit for the Merseyside derby at Anfield on February 6.

Benayoun, who spurned a golden late chance to take the tie to penalties, damaged his ribs in the closing stages of extra time.

It is the second time this season the Israeli has been sidelined as back in November he had placenta treatment to help cure a hamstring injury.

A club spokesman said: “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.”

Losing the Reds’ most creative three players is a major setback for underfire manager Rafa Benitez, who must now attempt to lift spirits for Saturday’s testing Premier League trip to Stoke City.