Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres have both been ruled out of Liverpool's trip to Sunderland on Saturday because of injuries picked up on international duty.
Gerrard, Liverpool's captain, suffered a groin injury in England's World Cup defeat to Ukraine last weekend and limped out of training two days later, subsequently missing the home win against Belarus.
Torres also suffered a groin injury, with Spain, and was an unused substitute for their final group match on Wednesday.
Both players have been unable to train with the Anfield club since returning from international duty, and neither will be involved at the Stadium of Light.
Liverpool's manager, Rafael Benítez, now faces the prospect of having to field those players who were involved in international matches in South America, something he has been loath to do in the past.
Javier Mascherano, Lucas Leiva and Emiliano Insua played in Argentina and Brazil's World Cup qualifying matches, and with Benítez short of midfield options, the three players are now expected to travel to Sunderland for Saturday’s 3pm kick-off at the Stadium of Light.
Benítez was more enthusiastic about Dirk Kuyt's chances of starting. Kuyt had picked up a knock in action for Holland. "He was training normally with the team and will be available," he said.
Gerrard, Liverpool's captain, suffered a groin injury in England's World Cup defeat to Ukraine last weekend and limped out of training two days later, subsequently missing the home win against Belarus.
Torres also suffered a groin injury, with Spain, and was an unused substitute for their final group match on Wednesday.
Both players have been unable to train with the Anfield club since returning from international duty, and neither will be involved at the Stadium of Light.
Liverpool's manager, Rafael Benítez, now faces the prospect of having to field those players who were involved in international matches in South America, something he has been loath to do in the past.
Javier Mascherano, Lucas Leiva and Emiliano Insua played in Argentina and Brazil's World Cup qualifying matches, and with Benítez short of midfield options, the three players are now expected to travel to Sunderland for Saturday’s 3pm kick-off at the Stadium of Light.
Benítez was more enthusiastic about Dirk Kuyt's chances of starting. Kuyt had picked up a knock in action for Holland. "He was training normally with the team and will be available," he said.
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