Source: Daily_Mail
Liverpool 1 Atletico Madrid 2: Jamie Carragher injury blow to Rafa Benitez's hopes
Pulling one back: Lucas Leiva scored the consolation goal as Liverpool went down 2-1 at Anfield [LNB]Jamie Carragher suffered a freak injury yesterday to leave Liverpool facing a possible defensive crisis even before the season starts. [LNB]The 31-year-old defender twisted his ankle off the ball after just 13 minutes against Atletico Madrid at Anfield.[LNB] In a quiet ground, Carragher's cries to attract the attention of the physio were clearly heard - and his bizarre predicament even caused some amusement before the crowd realised the full extent of his pain. [LNB]The former England defender played no further part in proceedings and required substantial strapping on the injury. [LNB]Manchester United and Chelsea target Sergio Aguero stole in for the Spanish club's first goal while Liverpool were still reorganising. [LNB]Of far more concern to Liverpool, however, are their growing defensive problems as they prepare to kick off the Premier League season as many experts' favourites for the title. [LNB]Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger both missed yesterday's match because they are already carrying injuries. [LNB]Now Carragher faces a race to be ready for the big kick-off too - even though Liverpool were trying to play down the extent of his injury last night.[LNB]Sorry sight: Jamie Carragher limped off against the Spanish giants [LNB]A spokesman said: 'Jamie turned his ankle and came off as a precaution. I have been told it isn't serious, though the ankle has been strapped up.' [LNB]The true extent of the injury will probably be known only today, when Liverpool's medical staff are expected to make a fresh assessment. [LNB]Yesterday, former Old Trafford star Diego Forlan had the last laugh on the Liverpool boo-boys when he struck a sublime second for Atletico in the 33rd minute, finding the net with a first-time curled shot. [LNB]Fernando Torres had countless chances to make his mark against his old club, but even when clean through on three occasions he failed to beat Atletico keeper Sergio Asenjo. [LNB]And, seconds after Forlan's strike, he hit a post. The visitors enjoyed most of the luck and should have conceded a penalty when Tomas Ujfalusi appeared to bring down Torres in the area. [LNB]Referee Phil Dowd declined to point to the spot and Liverpool became increasingly frustrated until Lucas came up with a consolation goal in the 82nd minute. [LNB]After this, manager Rafa Benitez will be unable to go into the new season with the notion of Anfield as a fortress. [LNB]The more important question is whether they will be able to start their campaign with any fully-fit central defenders. [LNB] Fernando Torres was in action against his old club as Liverpool lose their final warm up match before the new season [LNB] [LNB] Aquilani stunner: Liverpool's £20m new boy ruled out for two monthsLiverpool bid for Turner rejected: Hull demand £12m for defenderLIVERPOOL FC
