Liverpool will be without Steven Gerrard for around three weeks, making him doubtful for their Champions League trip to Real Madrid, after their inspirational captain tore a hamstring Wednesday.
"A scan today has confirmed a tear in the hamstring of Steven's left leg. He will be out of action for about three weeks," the club said on their website (www.liverpoolfc.tv) on Thursday.
The England midfielder was substituted after 16 minutes of his side's FA Cup fourth-round replay defeat by Everton at Goodison Park.
The injury will rule him out of league games against Portsmouth and Manchester City and possibly the first leg of the Champions League last-16 tie in Madrid on February 25.
He also misses England's friendly against Spain in Seville on February 11.
Gerrard has played 35 games this season for club and country, including four in 10 days culminating in Wednesday's 1-0 loss.
His 15 goals have been vital in Liverpool's assault on the Premier and Champions Leagues and, with Fernando Torres struggling for sharpness and Robbie Keane offloaded to Tottenham Hotspur, their forward options are suddenly limited.
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