Double injury blow on international night

Liverpool have been handed a double injury blow after Wednesday’s international fixtures, with Fernando Torres and Ryan Babel suffering injuries.

Torres limped out of Spain’s 2-1 win in Belgium after just 16 minutes with a thigh injury which is likely to keep him out for a week, making him a doubt for Saturday’s home match with Wigan and Wednesday’s Champions League match with his former club, Atletico Madrid.

Anything more serious than a strain, such as a tear, would also make him a debut for the following weekend’s match with Chelsea. Setanta Sports tonight report: “Worryingly for Liverpool, Spanish media are reporting a tweak to a muscle in the back of his leg ‘“ prompting fears of a recurrence of his hamstring injury.”

Babel limped out of Holland’s 1-0 win in Norway in the first half hour, news of the injury is yet to arrive.

Meanwhile, three Reds were on target for their countries. Yossi Benayoun scored again for Israel, Steven Gerrard hit a 30 yard strike for England – and set one up – and Robbie Keane scored a tap-in for Republic of Ireland as they beat Cyprus 1-0.

Dirk Kuyt played the full match for Holland, Andrea Dossena played 59 minutes for Italy and Sami Hyypia played the full match as Finland lost to Russia.

With Javier Mascherano and Lucas on duty for Argentina and Brazil respectively, Rafa Benitez will be hoping neither pick an injury to add to his woes, although neither is likely to take part in the Wigan match due to travel from South America.