Xabi Alonso breaks ankle in Chelsea match

Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso broke his ankle during the first half of today’s Barclays Premiership game against Chelsea.

The Spain star had to be substituted after 27 minutes after sustaining his injury in a challenge by Frank Lampard, who was booked.

Antonio Nunez was brought on in his compatriot’s place, in a like-for-like swap, as Xabi Alonso was rushed away for treatment.

The loss of the £10.5m (€14.9m) summer signing leaves Liverpool light on midfielders, given that Harry Kewell is also on the injured list, and there was no immediate notice of how long he would face on the sidelines.