The worst possible news for Liverpool and manager Rafa Benitez.

Fernando Torres is out for three weeks with his third hamstring injury of the season.

The striker played the whole of Liverpool’s Euro win over Marseille on Wednesday but felt a tightening in his right leg.

Torres, 24, spent yesterday being assessed by the medical staff and a scan late in the afternoon revealed a slight strain.

Liverpool were at pains to insist it is not the same injury which forced him to miss six matches.

A club spokesman said: “It is the same leg as before but in a different area and not a recurrence. He will be out for two to three weeks.”

Even so, it is a huge blow to Rafa Benitez’s title chasers and leaves him facing a battle to make the December 21 trip to Arsenal.

Torres is likely to miss Monday’s game against West Ham as well as the trip to Blackburn and the Champions League clash at PSV which will decide who finishes on top of Group D.

The hitman was injured in a showdown with Aston Villa at the end of August and suffered another hamstring problem while on international duty last month.

Kop left-back Fabio Aurelio will also spend a fortnight on the sidelines after straining his left calf on Wednesday.

The Brazilian struggled on with the niggle before being replaced at half-time by Andrea Dossena. (The Sun)

Liverpool have cover – but it is not to the same standard as the world class Fernando Torres. Ryan Babel has been disappointing and inconsistent and Dirk Kuyt is not prolific.
Where are Liverpool’s goal going to come from?