Rafael Benitez has revealed vice captain Jamie Carragher is likely to miss Liverpool’s Europa League tie against Unirea Urziceni on Thursday (Liverpool 1/7 Unirea Urziceni 4/1 – To Qualify).

The experienced defender picked up an adductor injury in the 1-0 Premier League defeat by Arsenal on Wednesday but is expected to return next Sunday when the Reds take on fellow top-four hopefuls Manchester City (Man City 4/7 Premier League – Without Big 4).

Benitez told the official club website: “I am not sure if he will be available for Thursday against Unirea, but maybe he will have a chance against City.”

Sotirios Kyrgiakos is suspended for the next two Premier League games and Glen Johnson remains on the treatment table, meaning Benitez could be facing a defensive crisis.

The Spaniard has also said he does not expect leading goalscorer Fernando Torres to return from a knee injury against Roberto Mancini’s men next Sunday.

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