<
>

Soccer-Liverpool lose Benayoun and Riera for three to four weeks

LONDON, Nov 12 - Wingers Yossi Benayoun and Albert
Riera added to Liverpool's injury woes on Thursday when both
were ruled out for up to a month due to muscle problems.

"We will have to wait and see how they progress but
hopefully in three weeks they could be available," manager Rafa
Benitez told the club's website (www.liverpoolfc.com).

"We are disappointed because there are too many things at
the moment we can't change. Both players are wingers as well and
for them to be out at the same time is bad news for us."

Liverpool are seventh in the Premier League, 11 points
behind leaders Chelsea, and also in danger of making an early
exit from the Champions League.

There was better news from other players, with Benitez
hoping the international break would allow his injury-depleted
squad time to recover before the next game against Manchester
City on Nov. 21.

"Sometimes a break comes at a bad time because you don't
like to see your players flying all over the world but this time
it gives us a chance to get some players back," said the
Spaniard.

Benitez said defender Daniel Agger, who suffered a knock in
the 2-2 draw against Birmingham City on Monday and withdrew from
Denmark's friendlies against South Korea and United States,
could be back in training in a few days.

The condition of right back Glen Johnson, who pulled out of
England's squad for Saturday's friendly against Brazil, was also
encouraging.

"Hopefully it's not too serious and he could be available
again in a week," said Benitez.

Spain striker Fernando Torres will need two or three weeks
treatment on his groin strain.

"I was talking with him this morning and he is doing well,"
said Benitez. "Hopefully he can be running in a few days and we
will see how he progresses."

(Reporting by Alan Baldwin, editing by Tony Jimenez. To
query or comment on this story
emailsportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)