The Norwegian international defender has become a frustrated onlooker this season due to the excellent form of Carragher at left-back but he will now start what should be a long run in the first-team against Leicester at Anfield tomorrow with the aim of bringing his own unique qualities to Gerard Houllier's side.
"I'm the first to admit Carra is a better defender than me," conceded Riise. "He's the worst player to play against because he's so hard to get past. But my strength is more in my attacking.
"I have been working hard to improve my defending and I have learned a lot from Carra, particularly on things like my positioning.
"It's such a shame for Carra because he's started the season so well. I was warming up at the time he was tackled and didn't realise he was so badly injured.
"When I saw him try and get up I thought he was going to carry on and he'd be okay. What happened was terrible.
"It's a blow to us, but that's why we have a big squad. All the lads will be supporting Carra and Milan all the way."
While Riise has the utmost sympathy for the plight of his injury-stricken Anfield colleague, he knows only too well that he must impress for the Reds after enduring an indifferent second season at the club.
Riise added: "I had an up and down season last year. I started off well scoring three goals very early on, but overall I didn't think my form was good enough," admits the 23-year-old.
"I'd play three or four games which were good and then three or four not good. From a personal point of view I thought I had a disappointing season. Now I feel much stronger and fitter and I'm sure things will be different.
"To be fair, it's not always easy in your second season in English football. If you do well when you arrive people start to hear about you, know more about your game and work harder to stop you. That means you have to do even more to keep ahead of the opposition.
"I think I need to be much more consistent. English football is probably the toughest in the world. But now this is my third season in this country and I know what to expect. I'm confident it can be a good season for me and the team."
"How can you expect the side to change when the lads are playing so well? I was out for three games but I was working hard waiting for my chance. It's not easy to change the team after the results and performances we've had, so I agreed with the decision.
"I'd played for the national team before we played Spurs and the gaffer said he wanted to rest me. Once that's happened and the team has played really well, you know it's going to be harder to get back in and that's how it should be.
"As long as the team is playing well, I'm happy with that. Obviously I hope my chance will come again and when it does I will be ready for it."