Broken metatarsal confirmed for Liverpool defender

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has suffered another injury blow after it was confirmed defender Martin Skrtel has broken a metatarsal in his right foot.

The Slovakian centre-back was injured in last night’s 3-1 victory over Romanians Unirea Urziceni, which helped the Reds reach the last 16 of the Europa League.

Benitez feared the worst last night and x-rays at the club’s Melwood training ground today have confirmed he has fractured a metatarsal in his right foot.

“We were really disappointed after the game because it was a good result but then we had the bad news about Martin,” said the Liverpool manager.

“He’s had x-rays today and they confirmed he has a broken metatarsal.

“We have to check over the next couple of days how long it will take to recover.”