Liverpool's Australian playmaker Harry Kewell has an ankle injury that will keep him out for up to three weeks, the premier league club confirmed today.
Kewell suffered ligament damage during Liverpool's League Cup defeat by Bolton Wanderers this week and is likely to miss the next three premier league games, against Newcastle United on Saturday, Southampton and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
He could also be ruled out of the matches on St Stephen's Day against Bolton and two days later against Manchester City.
With eight goals and an array of creative skills, Kewell has made a vital contribution to Liverpool since his close season transfer from Leeds United.
The timing of the setback could not be worse for Liverpool whose England striker Michael Owen is still out of action with a thigh injury.
"It is a blow for us," Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier told the club's website. "Harry has done well since he has come to the club. He has provided the missing link between midfield and attack and has scored some important goals.
"Obviously, we are disappointed because Harry and Michael Owen give us a lot of attacking efficiency and we are without them both at the moment."