Reds hit by Alonso blow

And Torres ruled out for three weeks

By Peter Fraser   Last updated: 29th October 2007

Alonso Xabi

Alonso: Injury blow

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Liverpool have been rocked by the news that Xabi Alonso has broken the fourth metatarsal in his left foot.

The midfielder returned to the Liverpool side in the 1-1 draw with Arsenal having recovered from a similar injury.

However, an X-ray has now confirmed that Alonso has suffered a new injury and it is not yet known how long the Spanish midfielder will be sidelined.

"An X-ray showed a fracture to the fourth metatarsal in Xabi's left foot" a Liverpool spokesman told the club's official website.

"Xabi will be seen by a consultant after which we will have a much better idea of the timescales involved"

Alonso will be joined on the sidelines by Fernando Torres who has been ruled out of action for three weeks with a torn adductor muscle.

The striker also made his return to Liverpool's first XI in the game against Arsenal, but he was replaced at half-time and it was feared he had suffered a recurrence of the leg problem he sustained on international duty with Spain.

However, a scan has revealed that the Reds' record signing has torn a different muscle.

"A scan has shown a tear to a different adductor muscle to his original injury and we expect Fernando to be out for about three weeks," the spokesman added.

Liverpool, though, have been boosted by the news that Javier Mascherano has not broken a bone in his foot after also sustaining an injury against the Gunners.

"With regards to Javier Mascherano, he had an X-ray which has showed no bone injury, but he will receive intensive treatment on extensive bruising in his foot," the spokesman concluded.