Agger, Alonso out for 6 wks

Daniel Agger and Xabi Alonso have suffered the "curse of the metatarsal". Liverpool duo Daniel Agger and Xabi Alonso could be out of action for the next six weeks. The two players have picked up foot injuries while on international duty and scans show both have suffered broken metatarsal bones.

Both players were able to feature in last weekend's 0-0 draw with Portsmouth, but missed Tuesday's UEFA Champions League game with Porto.

Both players are out for a minimum of four weeks after suffering stress fractures.

Club spokesman Ian Cotton told Liverpool's official website: "Neither player will require surgery, but we expect them to be out of action for between four and six weeks.

"Xabi Alonso has suffered a stress fracture to the fourth metatarsal in his left foot and Daniel Agger has suffered a stress fracture to the second metatarsal in his right foot."