Liverpool Manager Rafael Benitez

guardian The Liverpool manager Rafael Benítez has confirmed that his central defender Martin Skrtel has a broken foot.

The Slovakian centre-back was injured last night when Liverpool beat Unirea Urziceni 3-1 to reach the last 16 of the Europa League.

	Liverpool defender Martin Skrte

X-rays at the club's Melwood training ground today have confirmed Skrtel has fractured a metatarsal in his right foot.

"We were really disappointed after the game because it was a good result but then we had the bad news about Martin," said the Liverpool manager.

"He's had X-rays today and they confirmed he has a broken metatarsal. We have to check over the next couple of days how long it will take to recover."

Skrtel's absence, however long or short it turns out to be, comes just as Benítez thought he finally had a full-strength squad with which to tackle their remaining 11 matches as they bid to secure Champions League football next season.