Liverpool defender Sami Hyypia has been forced off at half time apparently suffering a head injury in the first half of their Premiership clash against Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday.

The veteran Finnish international had been named the skipper on his 300th league appearance for the Merseysiders. Jamie Carragher came as a substitute to begin the second period and took the captain’s armband.

The Reds, who clash with Chelsea in the Champions League semi-finals first leg next week, had been much-changed for today’s game in West London.

Manager Rafa Benitez will be hoping Hyypia has not picked up a serious problem, as fellow defender Alvaro Arbeloa is also out injured with a thigh strain, while skipper Steven Gerrard has a neck problem.