Alonso out for six weeks

Alonso sustained a broken ankle in Liverpool's one nil defeat to Chelsea yesterday after a rough Frank Lampard challenge, and is now expected to sit out until around mid-February.

Benitez said: "Unfortunately we have lost Xabi for five to six weeks and it is a big blow for us."

The injury now leaves concerns over a replacement for the influential midfielder, but Benitez refused to be drawn on whether fresh talent would be brought in during the transfer window.

Benitez added: "We will see. At this moment I am only concentrating on the next game which is Norwich. We have a good squad so we have players who can come into midfield."