Liverpool striker Fernando Torres will be out of action for up to three weeks with a hamstring strain, the Premier League club said on Thursday.
The Spain international, who was also sidelined for three weeks in October with a similar problem, picked up the injury in Wednesday's 1-0 Champions League victory against French side Olympique Marseille at Anfield.
"Fernando has a strain in his right hamstring and will be out of action for between two and three weeks," a spokesman said on the club website (www.liverpoolfc.tv) after the player underwent a scan.
Torres, who scored Spain's winner in the Euro 2008 final, is Liverpool's joint top scorer in the league this season with five goals.
The club will also be without Brazilian left back Fabio Aurelio, who suffered a calf strain and is expected to be out for two weeks.
Liverpool are level with Premier League leaders Chelsea on 33 points but with an inferior goal difference ahead of the weekend's programme. They host West Ham United on Monday.
More from rediff