Yossi Benayoun out for three weeks

Nov 12 2007 by Chris Beesley, Liverpool Daily Post

LIVERPOOL midfielder Yossi Benayoun has been ruled out for three weeks in a setback for both club – and England.

A scan yesterday revealed that the Israel captain had suffered an adductor tear in the Premier League win over Fulham.

Benayoun will now miss Israel’s Euro 2008 qualifier against Russia on Saturday.

England’s hopes of qualifying – and those of Benayoun’s Liverpool team-mates Steven Gerrard and Peter Crouch – rely on Israel taking something off Russia when they meet at the weekend.

If Russia win, England’s final game against Croatia next week will be academic.

Reflecting on the injury Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez said: “Yossi has been playing really well but I don’t think he will be fit for Israel’s next game. He was limping for the last five minutes and has a problem. I was watching him and told him to stay in the middle and not to run but he was trying two or three times.

“The adductor is a muscle (that if you injure it) you can keep the ball and run if you go straight but you cannot turn.”

Meanwhile Javier Mascherano has re-affirmed his desire to stay at Liverpool.

"By staying here I will become a better player and that way I can help Liverpool to be more successful,” said the 23-year-old.