Benitez fears lengthy Sissoko absence

Rafael Benitez is sweating over the fitness of key Liverpool midfielder Mohamed Sissoko after the Mali international suffered a suspected dislocated shoulder last night.

Sissoko was detained overnight in hospital after being carried off on a stretcher during the first half of his side’s 1-0 win over Birmingham at St Andrews in the Carling Cup fourth round.

Benitez may operate a rotation policy but Sissoko has been a virtual ever-present during the current campaign and the Spanish boss is bracing himself for at least a month without the player.

A goal in the seven minutes' stoppage time added on for Sissoko’s injury at the end of the first half from defender Daniel Agger clinched the Reds’ spot in the quarter-finals.

Benitez said: “We don’t know for how long Sissoko will be out but it may be quite some time. He may have dislocated his shoulder. It maybe will be more then one month.

“I hope he is not out a lot of time but I think it will be serious.”