Liverpool midfielder Mohamed Sissoko will be sidelined for some time after tests in a Lisbon hospital revealed damage to the retina of his right eye.
The Mali international was carried off just 35 minutes into last night’s 1-0 Champions League defeat against Benfica after being kicked in the head by Benfica’s Brazilian midfielder Beto.
Sissoko, complaining of blurred vision, was left behind in Lisbon while the team returned home.
Liverpool are reluctant to say how long the 21-year-old will be out for as he will require further tests when he returns to England.
"Momo has undergone further tests this morning which have confirmed damage to the retina in his right eye," a club spokesman said.
"The injury is currently affecting his eyesight. Further consultations with eye specialists have been arranged for when the player returns to England."
Beto has apologised for the flying boot which put Sissoko in hospital.
"My boot caught Sissoko in the face and it opened a big wound around the eye," he said.
"I want to apologise. I did not mean to injure him. It was just a typical 50-50 midfield situation that happens all the time; you have to contest everything.
"It happened, but I did not mean to harm him and I hope he recovers quickly."
PA
