Benayoun and Riera out for weeks

More problems for Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez: Yossi Benayoun and Albert Riera were diagnosed with torn hamstrings that could sideline them for a month.

Benayoun and Riera suffered their injuries during the match against Birmingham City on Monday (2-2). Riera made his return against the Blues after he had been out for three weeks with hamstring problems. The Spanish midfielder was substituted half way through the match.

The injured duo are set to miss the important matches with Manchester City and Debreceni and also the first Merseyside-derby of the season, against Everton.

Liverpool should today discover the full extent of the calf problem that forced Glen Johnson’s withdrawal from the England squad to meet Brazil in Doha this weekend.

The right-back has been hindered by calf and groin injuries in recent weeks, and Daniel Agger withdrew from Denmark’s squad for friendlies against South Korea and the United States after suffering a reaction to a persistent back problem against Birmingham.

Liverpool are hopeful, however, that the Dane’s complaint will not cause another long-term lay-off.

Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard are continuing to receive daily treatment on their on their respective hernia and adductor problems.