Gerrard out for three weeks

Rafa Benitez, left, looks on as his captain Steven Gerrard, centre, is substituted after 16 minutes in Liverpool's extra-time defeat to Everton in the FA Cup fourth round replay.

Steven Gerrard will be out for three weeks after Liverpool confirmed he suffered a hamstring tear during last night's FA Cup defeat at Everton. The midfielder, 28, limped off 16 minutes into the Reds' fourth-round replay at Goodison Park and is now a doubt for the club's next two Barclays Premier League against Portsmouth and Manchester City. "A scan today has confirmed a tear in the hamstring of Steven's left leg. He will be out of action for about three weeks," A spokesman said on the club's website Gerrard may also miss the first leg of Liverpool's Champions League last-16 tie with Real Madrid, which is due to take place at the Bernabeu on February 25. The news comes as a big disappointment for Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez, who has come under fire from fans and sections of the media for selling the striker Robbie Keane to Tottenham on transfer deadline day for around £12million (Dh63.5m). Benitez did not have time to bring in a replacement for the Republic of Ireland striker, and Gerrard's absence will further weaken the Spaniard's attacking options as Liverpool look to close the two-point gap on league leaders Manchester United, who have a game in hand. The Liverpool captain will also miss England's international friendly against Spain next Wednesday. *PA Sport