Liverpool fear they may be without first choice left back Fabio Aurelio for the rest of the year after he suffered a freak injury playing football at home with his family.
The Brazil defender has already been ruled out for the start of the Barclays Premier League season after damaging his knee in a kickabout in his back garden and he could be facing a lengthy lay-off.
The setback has forced manager Rafa Benitez to abandon any thoughts of allowing Juventus to follow up their interest in Andrea Dossena, who could still have a part to play in the opening weeks of the season.