Pennant blow rocks Reds
27 Oct 2007 - 14:10:54
Liverpool will be without Jermaine Pennant for around ten weeks after the winger was diagnosed with a stress fracture of his right shin.
The 24-year-old limped out of Wednesday's 2-1 Champions League defeat by Besiktas in Turkey having been plagued by the problem for most of the season.
Pennant, who has made 11 appearances this season, is now unlikely to return before the middle of January.
"For the last eight weeks Jermaine has undergone intensive treatment at Melwood between matches for the injury," spokesman Ian Cotton told the club's official website.
"But following an acute exacerbation of the problem during the game against Besiktas it has now been decided he requires surgery.
"We anticipate Jermaine will be out for approximately ten weeks."
Meanwhile, Reds boss Rafael Benitez is hoping the return of Xabi Alonso from a broken foot can help stop their recent poor run.
The Spain international returned to the bench in Turkey but could be handed a first start since September against Arsenal on Sunday.
"Xabi can play with pace. He has pace with the ball," Benitez told the club's official website.
"It's important that we have someone who can switch the play before the opposing defenders are organised, he can pass the ball 40 yards so the defenders don't have time.
"Sometimes you need a player like Xabi."
