Bernabeu hero sidelined
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Benayoun blow rocks Liverpool as star faces fortnight out with hamstring tear.
Liverpool have been left reeling from another injury blow after a training ground accident left man-of-the-moment Yossi Benayoun facing at least a fortnight on the sidelines.
Benayoun headed Liverpool's winning goal against Real Madrid in the Champions' League but seems certain to miss Tuesday's return leg at Anfield and next Saturday's all-important lunchtime showdown with Manchester United in the Barclays Premier League.
Sportsmail understands the in-form Israel midfielder collided with a team-mate in training and immediately hobbled off with what initial reports suggest is a slight hamstring tear.
He relayed the news to Israel's team doctor, amid fears he could struggle to be fit for his country's World Cup qualifier with Greece later this month.
Liverpool are more concerned about his availability for a critical phase in their bid to close in on another Champions' League triumph and remain in contention for their first domestic League title in 19 years.
Benayoun has emerged as a key figure in recent weeks after giving his side a 1-0 first-leg lead in their last 16 tie with Real and following up with the goal that confirmed a 2-0 win over Manchester City at Anfield last weekend.
But, if the initial diagnosis proves correct, he will miss the return with Real, a visit to Old Trafford that Liverpool have to win to retain any lingering title hopes and possibly even the following weekend's home game with Aston Villa.
Liverpool have been cursed by hamstring problems this season, with Fernando Torres sidelined for a large chunk of the campaign and, more recently, Steven Gerrard needing nearly a month to recover from a slight tear.
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cursed.
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nb. I like him sia
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cheap and good
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those photographers seriously have to take better pictures of the players.