Midfielder Xabi Alonso is also facing a spell on the sidelines after an X-ray revealed he had fractured the fourth metatarsal in his left foot.

Both players were injured in the 1-1 draw against Arsenal yesterday along with Javier Mascherano.

However the midfielder has suffered only extensive bruising and no bone injury.

A Liverpool spokesman summed up the players' injuries on liverpoolfc.tv:

On Torres, he said: "A scan this morning has shown a tear to a different adductor muscle to his original injury and we expect Fernando to be out for about three weeks.

On Alonso, he said: "An x-ray showed a fracture to the fourth metatarsal in his left foot. Xabi will be seen by a consultant tomorrow after which we will have a much better idea of the timescales involved.

On Mascherano, he said: "He had an x-ray which has showed no bone injury, but he will receive intensive treatment on extensive bruising in his foot."