Losing Torres up front and Alonso in midfield are major blows for Benitez with a hectic programme of domestic and crucial Champions League games to come.

Liverpool need a victory against Turkish side Besiktas at Anfield next week if they are to have any hope of progressing in Europe’s top club competition.

Either side of that match they face Blackburn and Fulham in crucial Premier League games.

Liverpool also have a Carling Cup match to contend with tomorrow against Coca-Cola Championship side Cardiff, who are expected to name former Anfield favourite Robbie Fowler in their side.

Both Torres and Alonso were injured in their comeback games in the thrilling 1-1 draw against Arsenal on Sunday as was Javier Mascherano.

However the Argentina midfielder has suffered only extensive bruising and no bone injury on his foot.

Reina said: “The injuries are a big problem. We have had far too many in the last few months.

“Now we have another injury to Fernando and another to Xabi – it’s a pain in the backside.

“When important players are recovering and coming back into the side and then they get injured again, it is always difficult.”

A Liverpool spokesman summed up the extent of the players’ injuries.

On Torres, he told liverpoolfc.tv: “A scan has shown a tear to a different adductor muscle to his original injury and we expect Fernando to be out for about three weeks.”

Of Alonso he added: “An x-ray showed a fracture to the fourth metatarsal in his left foot. Xabi will be seen by a consultant after which we will have a much better idea of the timescales involved.”

At least there was better news on Mascherano, with the spokesman saying: “He had an x-ray which has showed no bone injury, but he will receive intensive treatment on extensive bruising in his foot.”

Benitez’s options are limited as he is also without winger Jermaine Pennant until after Christmas as he recovers from a stress fracture of the shin, while first-choice centre-back Daniel Agger is still recovering from a broken metatarsal.