Yossi Benayoun breaks a rib

Liverpool’s Yossi Benayoun faces four weeks on the sidelines after breaking a rib in Wednesday’s FA Cup defeat against Reading, according to reports.

Benayoun, 29, spurned a golden opportunity to take the tie to penalties when he was thwarted in a one-on-one by Reading keeper Adam Federici in extra time. It is believed that he picked up the injury following a hefty challenge in the last minute.

The injury is the attacking midfielder’s second of the season. In November, Benayoun received the controversial placenta treatment to help cure a hamstring injury.

The Israeli captain has made 26 appearances for the Reds this season, scoring seven goals.