London - Liverpool's season was thrust deeper into crisis on Thursday as it was confirmed that Yossi Benayoun and Albert Riera have both suffered torn hamstrings.

The two attacking midfielders both suffered injuries during Liverpool's 2-2 draw with Birmingham City on Monday, a game that extended the club's miserable run to just one win in nine games.

Both players are expected to be out for around a month, which will see them miss the crucial Champions League games against Debrecen and Lyon, plus the key league games against Manchester City and Everton.

In addition, right-back Glen Johnson was forced out of England's friendly with Brazil on Saturday with a calf problem, while centre- back Daniel Agger withdrew from Denmark's squad for friendlies against South Korea and the United States after suffering a reaction to a persistent back problem against Birmingham.

Centre-forward Fernando Torres and midfielder Steven Gerrard meanwhile are having daily treatment on hernia and groin problems, and may yet require surgery.(dpa)