Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has suffered another injury blow after it was confirmed defender Martin Skrtel has broken his foot.

The Slovakian centre-back was injured in last night's 3-1 victory over Romanians Unirea Urziceni, which helped the Reds reach the last 16 of the UEFA Europa League.

Benitez feared the worst last night and x-rays at the club's Melwood training ground today have confirmed he has fractured a metatarsal in his right foot.

"We were really disappointed after the game because it was a good result but then we had the bad news about Martin," said the Liverpool manager. "He's had x-rays today and they confirmed he has a broken metatarsal. We have to check over the next couple of days how long it will take to recover."

Skrtel's absence, however long or short it turns out to be, comes just as Benitez thought he finally had a full-strength squad with which to tackle their remaining 11 matches as they bid to secure Champions League football next season.