Rafa Benitez’s decision to throw both Alonso and Torres back into the firing line against Arsenal today could have backfired spectacularly as both players broke down. Torres appeared to be the shadow of the player we’ve seen early this season and was eventually replaced at half-time after limping off with more leg muscle problems. Alonso meanwhile also hobbled off and has suffered further damage to his metatarsal, an injury that has already seen him miss over a month of action. To compound matters, Mascherano was also struggling with ten minutes remaining after suffering a knock to his ankle.

These latest setbacks follow the news on Friday that Jermaine Pennant will be sidelined for around 10-weeks after suffering a stress fracture in his leg. Benitez is hopeful that the injuries are minor but it seems likely that all three will be missing from Liverpool’s next Premiership fixture against Blackburn with the crucial Champions League trip to Besiktas following three days later. This is likely to hand both Benayoun and Crouch the opportunity to start at Ewood.