Liverpool have been left reeling from another injury blow after
a training ground accident left man-of-the-moment Yossi Benayoun
facing at least a fortnight on the sidelines.
Benayoun headed Liverpool's winning goal against Real Madrid in
the Champions' League but seems certain to miss Tuesday's return
leg at Anfield and next Saturday's all-important lunchtime showdown
with Manchester United in the Barclays Premier League.
Sportsmail understands the in-form Israel midfielder collided
with a team-mate in training and immediately hobbled off with what
initial reports suggest is a slight hamstring tear.
He relayed the news to Israel's team doctor, amid fears he could
struggle to be fit for his country's World Cup qualifier with
Greece later this month.
Liverpool are more concerned about his availability for a
critical phase in their bid to close in on another Champions'
League triumph and remain in contention for their first domestic
League title in 19 years.
Benayoun has emerged as a key figure in recent weeks after
giving his side a 1-0 first-leg lead in their last 16 tie with Real
and following up with the goal that confirmed a 2-0 win over
Manchester City at Anfield last weekend.
But, if the initial diagnosis proves correct, he will miss the
return with Real, a visit to Old Trafford that Liverpool have to
win to retain any lingering title hopes and possibly even the
following weekend's home game with Aston Villa.
Liverpool have been cursed by hamstring problems this season,
with Fernando Torres sidelined for a large chunk of the campaign
and, more recently, Steven Gerrard needing nearly a month to
recover from a slight tear.
