Source: Daily_Mail
Liverpool defender Martin Kelly faces five-week injury lay-off
Martin Kelly has had his worst fears confirmed after he was ruled out for up to five weeks with hamstring damage. [LNB]The Liverpool right back, 20, pulled up sharply in the first half of Sunday's 3-1 defeat at West Ham and he underwent a scan on Merseyside yesterday. [LNB]Liverpool had hoped that Kelly, one of their success stories this season, would only miss this Sunday's showdown with Manchester United but he will now be absent for a chunk of the run-in. [LNB] Crocked: Kelly receives treatment after injuring his hamstring at West Ham[LNB] Aside from United's visit, Kelly will miss both legs of the Europa League last-16 clash with Braga and a trip to Sunder land on March 20. [LNB]He is also almost certainly out of the England Under 21 friendly against Iceland at Deepdale on March 28. [LNB]Although Kelly has flourished since Kenny Dalglish took charge in early January, this is the latest frustrating setback in his short Liverpool career - last season he had long layoffs with knee and ankle injuries - but he is trying to remain positive. [LNB]He said: 'I am usually a quick healer and we have good medical staff at the club, so hopefully I will be back soon. [LNB] Plenty of promise: Before his injury setback, Kelly had been impressive at right-back for the Reds[LNB]'We were all disappointed with the result and performance on Sunday and we've got to put it right against Manchester United.'[LNB]First team coach Steve Clarke admits it is tough losing the in-form Kelly but fully expects the side to cope in his absence.[LNB]'It's disappointing for the player because he's been on a good run doing well for us,' he said.[LNB]'It's a blow for us but we can handle it and we'll move on.'[LNB] VIDEO: So why does United defender Vidic struggle with Torres? Gerrard expects Anfield new boy Suarez to shine for LiverpoolWest Ham 3 Liverpool 1: Dalglish's bubble is burst by Parker[LNB] Explore more:People: Kenny Dalglish, Martin Kelly Places: Liverpool
