Liverpool face an anxious wait to learn the full extent of the knee injury suffered by defender Martin Skrtel in the closing stages of the Reds’ 3-2 win over Manchester City.

The Slovakian international fell awkwardly under pressure to thwart City substitute Ched Evans, twisting his knee and was carried of the field on a stretcher in agony at the City of Manchester Stadium on Sunday.

The 23-year-old, who has become a regular partner for Jamie Carragher in the heart of defence, will now undergo a scan with first indications being of serious ligament damage.

"Martin has twisted his knee and we will have to wait for the scan but we think it could be serious," said Benitez.

"That's the bad news for us today. When a player like Martin is on the ground you know it's serious so we will keep our fingers crossed that it won't be too bad."

If Benitez’s fears come true, it would be a lengthy spell on the sidelines for the January-signing from Zenit St Petersburg, and would open up the opportunity for Daniel Agger to come into the starting line-up. The Danish international is fit again after his last season was marred by a foot injury.