Double injury blow for Rafa
The Reds have won just one home game in the league
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Sunday, 28, Oct 2007 08:54
Rafael Benitez has revealed that Fernando Torres and Xabi Alonso both suffered injuries in Liverpool's 1-1 draw with Arsenal at Anfield.
The Liverpool boss said the Spanish duo suffered recurrences of their recent injuries.
Torres, who looked off the pace, was substituted at half-time with a thigh strain while Alonso limped off with a foot injury.
Steven Gerrard's early goal was cancelled out by Cesc Fabregas' strike in the 80th minute, a result which leaves the Reds six points behind the Gunners.
Benitez said Torres and Alonso both face another spell on the sidelines.
"After one week he [Torres] was okay and training and felt he was okay but then we could see he was not fit," Benitez told Sky Sports.
"We had problems with Torres and wanted to use the pace of Torres but he was injured and we had to replace him and then we had problems with Xabi Alonso.
"The deal was to try and stop them playing counter-attack and try and play with the strikers but we had too many problems.
"I think it was an open game against a team that is playing well - we had some chances and they had some chances and I think a draw is normal for a game like this."
Meanwhile, Gunners boss Arsene Wenger believes the draw shows his side passed their first major test of the season.
"Overall it was a great football game, a bit of an edgy start and we were a bit nervous and punished quickly," Wenger said.
"But from then on it was all us and it was a question of not conceding a second and coming back. We had enough chances to win the game."
The point for Arsenal moves them ahead of Manchester United at the top of the Premier League by virtue of goals scored. The rivals clash next Saturday lunchtime at the Emirates Stadium.