MOMO SISSOKO has undergone the shoulder operation which is likely to keep him out for three months.
Rafa Benitez revealed the surgery went well, but now the 21-year-old must wait to discover how swiftly he can return to action.
"Momo had the operation yesterday," Benitez said. "The doctors said it was very successful, but now we must wait. We know we will be without Momo for some time, but maybe we'll know more in a few days exactly how long it will be."
Benitez will welcome back the international contingent this afternoon, and check on the fitness of players before deciding the best options for the weekend.
Luis Garcia is still struggling with a calf problem and is unlikely to recover in time for the trip to the Riverside.
After the gloom of defeat away at Arsenal last weekend, Benitez describes this Saturday's away day as 'one of the most important' of the season.
He's demanding a reaction similar to that following defeat at Old Trafford when his side embarked on a five match winning streak.
"As soon as we win away, I'm sure you will see a difference," said Benitez.
"Now we can't change what's happened in the other games and we should not think about any of the other teams. All we can do can do is concentrate on ourselves and work harder.
"When we win an away game, the difference will be massive in terms of the confidence of the players. We have shown consistently we have the quality at home, and there are times when we have played well away, but have had problems scoring goals.
"The schedule has been crazy again this week, with the players only returning on Thursday for a game on Saturday, but we will prepare the best we can and I'm sure the players will be determined to show their quality.".
Skipper Steven Gerrard will have to wait before discovering if he's been given the nod in the centre of midfield for this particular fixture, as Benitez checks on several injuries.
Gerrard revealed after last night's England game he anticipates more opportunities in the centre due to Momo Sissoko's injury.
"I spoke to Benitez and he said I will get a lot more time in the middle now with Sissoko's injury," he said. "We need to start picking up performances on the road for Liverpool, starting on Saturday."
Rafa Benitez revealed the surgery went well, but now the 21-year-old must wait to discover how swiftly he can return to action.
"Momo had the operation yesterday," Benitez said. "The doctors said it was very successful, but now we must wait. We know we will be without Momo for some time, but maybe we'll know more in a few days exactly how long it will be."
Benitez will welcome back the international contingent this afternoon, and check on the fitness of players before deciding the best options for the weekend.
Luis Garcia is still struggling with a calf problem and is unlikely to recover in time for the trip to the Riverside.
After the gloom of defeat away at Arsenal last weekend, Benitez describes this Saturday's away day as 'one of the most important' of the season.
He's demanding a reaction similar to that following defeat at Old Trafford when his side embarked on a five match winning streak.
"As soon as we win away, I'm sure you will see a difference," said Benitez.
"Now we can't change what's happened in the other games and we should not think about any of the other teams. All we can do can do is concentrate on ourselves and work harder.
"When we win an away game, the difference will be massive in terms of the confidence of the players. We have shown consistently we have the quality at home, and there are times when we have played well away, but have had problems scoring goals.
"The schedule has been crazy again this week, with the players only returning on Thursday for a game on Saturday, but we will prepare the best we can and I'm sure the players will be determined to show their quality.".
Skipper Steven Gerrard will have to wait before discovering if he's been given the nod in the centre of midfield for this particular fixture, as Benitez checks on several injuries.
Gerrard revealed after last night's England game he anticipates more opportunities in the centre due to Momo Sissoko's injury.
"I spoke to Benitez and he said I will get a lot more time in the middle now with Sissoko's injury," he said. "We need to start picking up performances on the road for Liverpool, starting on Saturday."
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