Yossi Benayoun will be sidelined for four weeks after injuring his hamstring during Liverpool’s 2-2 Premier League draw against Birmingham.

The Israel captain will spend the international break being treated by the club's medics at the Melwood training ground.

Liverpool legend Ian Rush has described the as “a devastating blow” ahead of the team’s last two Champions League group matches and league game against Manchester City.

In his column in the Liverpool Echo, Rush was full of praise for Benayoun who has been Liverpool’s standout player in what has been a hugely disappointing start to the season.

“He is one player who is capable of winning a game on his own and his craft and guile in midfield give Liverpool something very different,” said Rush.

“You saw the kind of impact he can have when delivering a fabulous ball to Fernando Torres in the win against Manchester United and his ability to do that will be missed.”