Kuyt limps off as Benitez runs out of strikers

LIVERPOOL’S desperation to secure Champions League qualification accounted for Burnley’s Premier League status at Turf Moor, but the victory might have come at a cost as Rafael Benitez faces the prospect of going into Thursday’s do-or-die Europa League clash with Atletico Madrid without a recognised striker after Dirk Kuyt limped off with a calf problem.

The Holland international had to be substituted moments into the second half and is rated extremely doubtful for Atletico’s visit to Anfield, when Liverpool will look to overcome a 1-0 deficit against the Spaniards and keep alive their hopes of securing some silverware this season.

It seems there is every chance Kuyt will be joining Fernando Torres and David Ngog on the sidelines, leaving Benitez desperately short of options in attack as he looks to reach the final and also catch Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur in the on-going race to finish fourth in the Premier League.