“The Argentinian people are really together for each other and it is such a different culture [in England],” said Insua.

“In the first year I couldn’t speak much English so to have Javier and now Maxi means it is very special for all three of us.

“Javier is the captain of the national team so I respect him and I listen to him and maybe he can help me for the future.”

Aurelio’s latest setback, which forced him off before half-time of Sunday’s 2-1 win over Blackburn Rovers, comes after he missed the start of the season after sustaining a knee problem in a kickabout with his children during the summer.

A series of other niggles have restricted the Brazilian to just 13 starts this season, and he will now sit out both legs of the Europa League tie with Lille, the home game against Portsmouth and trips to Wigan Athletic and Manchester United.

Meanwhile, highly-rated Palermo centre-back Simon Kjaer has sounded his desire for a move to Liverpool – and link up with international team-mate Daniel Agger.

Kjaer wants to leave the Serie A side at the end of the season, despite having more than two years left on his current deal. And the 20-year-old said: “I will take a step towards the dream or I will stay in Palermo. I would prefer to have it sorted out before the World Cup.

“I am ready for a new challenge, but is has to be an attractive club.

“(The) Premier League is the best league in the world and then there is Barcelona and Real Madrid in Spain.

“England and the physical playing style would probably suit me better. In case the right offers come, it would be exciting to form a partnership with (Daniel) Agger (at Liverpool).”