NEW INJURY BLOW FOR BERGER

The Czech Republic star twisted his knee as he tried to challenge Mark Viduka in the penalty area as the Australian scored the third of his four goals in the game.

The former Borussia Dortmund star had just returned to The Reds first team last month after injuring his knee against Bradford City on the opening day of the season.

Berger is definitely out of Liverpool's UEFA Cup 2nd round 2nd leg tie in Slovan Liberec on Thursday and could be sidelined for up to months if the injury is found to be serious.

The news is a major blow to Reds boss Gerard Houllier, who is already without French winger Bernard Diomede, who plays on the left hand side of midfield.

"This is very bad news, Patrik has twisted his knee," said Houllier.

There are fears within the Liverpool camp that the knee injury Berger sustained at Leeds on Saturday will sideline him for the rest of the season, but Houllier has insisted that it is too early to assess the full extent of the damage just yet.

''I fear we are not talking a matter of weeks with Patrik. We are talking a matter of months. ''It is very bad news for us because obviously we are losing one of our best players. But to say he is out for the season would be over the top at this stage. He will see the club doctor and take it from there.''

Berger revealed on his own website that he is set to visit American knee specialist surgeon Richard Steadman, who operated on Reds team-mate Jamie Redknapp.

"I've been for a scan and I'm waiting to hear from Dr. Steadman when he can see me," said Berger. " As I write this I don't know exactly when I'll be going to America, but I believe it'll be this week. The sooner I can get over there, the sooner I can be back playing again.

"I don't know how long I'll be out for. But once Dr. Steadman has opened up my knee and had a look inside he'll decide what I need to do to get fit. After the operation he'll tell me how long I'll be out. I suppose it depends on what the operation will be".