Skrtel can only wait and see

LIVERPOOL defender Martin Skrtel will discover today how long he is expected to be out injured after a scan revealed posterior cruciate ligament damage in his right knee.

The 23-year-old Slovakia international was given oxygen and left the field on a stretcher after falling awkwardly in Liverpool’s 3-2 win against Manchester City at Eastlands.

Skrtel has forged a solid partnership with Jamie Carragher at the heart of a Liverpool defence which has conceded only four goals in seven Premier League matches this season.

“Martin underwent a scan this morning which showed damage to the posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee,” club spokesman Ian Cotton said yesterday.

“He will see a specialist to assess the extent of the injury and will then have an accurate idea of the timescales involved before he is back playing again.”

Meanwhile, Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez revealed a simple formula to success as his side’s bid to win their first Premier League title gathered momentum. The Reds have not won the domestic title since 1990 but Sunday’s rousing 3-2 victory at Manchester City — where they came back from 2-0 down — was a further indication of their improvement and willingness to dig in when needed.

The victory capped a good week for the Spanish coach as it came on the back of the Champions League defeat of PSV Eindhoven which meant Liverpool are now unbeaten in 12 games and will face Wigan at Anfield when they resume after the international break.

The real test, however, will come on October 26 when they face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

But the pragmatic Benitez, now in his fifth season at the club, is refusing to look too far ahead.

“We have a clear idea of what we have to do,” Benitez said. “We have to go one game at a time. This was another great win and three points.

“The main thing from my point of view is the belief of the players.”

Former Liverpool captain Alan Hansen believes it could be their season. “I think they played more as a team at City than I have ever seen them under Benitez,” Hansen said.

“Liverpool were dead and buried at half time but they showed grit, determination and character to come back and win the game.

“I saw them on Wednesday against PSV Eindhoven and they were really impressive. They are a team now and they have a chance.”

Dirk Kuyt scored the winner in stoppage time with his first league goal since November after a brace from Fernando Torres.

City had raced into a two-goal lead through Stephen Ireland and Javier Garrido but saw Pablo Zabaleta sent off in the second half.

Kuyt, who scored against PSV, then had the final word and Benitez has nothing but praise for the way the Holland striker goes about his business.

“He has scored a lot of goals in the Champions League and is one of our key players,” Benitez added. “He is very strong mentally and his work rate is amazing. That is why supporters love him.”