Football: Bad Break; Benitez suffers striking problems Cisse's injury horror leaves Benitez with a striking problem.

Byline: IAN DOYLE

RAFAEL BENITEZ is facing a striker crisis as Liverpool come to terms with Djibril Cisse's horrific injury.

The pounds 14m striker is expected to be out for at least nine months after breaking his leg following an accidental collision with Blackburn Rovers full-back James McEveley during the 2-2 draw at Ewood Park on Saturday evening.

The 23-year-old suffered a fracture of the fibula and, more seriously, a comminuted fracture of the tibia. That means rather than a clean break, the tibia bone has shattered into several pieces at the point of impact.

Cisse underwent an operation yesterday to insert a pin in the tibia and will remain in hospital for the next five or six days before beginning his process of rehabilitation.

Liverpool last night deemed the operation a success, allaying initial fears the striker may never play again once the extent of the damage became apparent.

The club are hopeful Cisse will be available for pre-season training next summer, but cannot determine the exact length of his absence until his recovery is under way.

Liverpool spokesman Ian Cotton confirmed: ``Our club doctor Mark Waller has confirmed that Djibril Cisse suffered a comminuted fracture of the tibia and fracture of the fibula in his left leg.

``Unfortunately he won't play again this season and everybody at the club wishes him the speediest of recoveries. ''

Milan Baros was the nearest to the incident and both he and Blackburn goalkeeper Brad Friedel were quick in calling for medical assistance for the stricken Cisse.

``I heard something snap and I thought straightaway that something was broken, '' said Baros. ``It is a shame and I hope he will come back soon.

``I wish him the best because I know what it's like to be out with a long-term injury. ''

Benitez added: ``It is a pity. We cannot see the play all the time from the dugout but at the time everyone was saying it was a big problem. But we cannot do anything now except cross our fingers and wish him luck and hope he gets better soon. ''

On Liverpool's last Premiership visit to Ewood Park last season, Baros broke his ankle while Jamie Carragher suffered a broken leg.

Cisse's injury means Liverpool manager Benitez now has only Baros, Florent Sinama-Pongolle and Neil Mellor to choose from as his senior strikers.

Benitez was already expected to move for a new forward when the transfer window reopens in January, but his attempts have been hampered by Real Madrid's insistence Fernando Morientes is not for sale and the decision of Valencia striker Miguel Mist a to sign a new contract.

``We have to wait, '' said Benitez. ``We can do nothing at the moment. In January we will see what happens. ''

Sinama-Pongolle is expected to be fit for Liverpool's Champions League group game at Deportivo La Coruna on Wednesday after missingSaturday's game with a bruised shin caused by a late challenge from Millwall's Kevin Muscat.

``He will be fine. He will return to training on Monday, '' confirmed Benitez. ``The only thing we can do now is make sure the players rest and are recovered for Wednesday's game. ''

Meanwhile, Benitez has hinted that Dietmar Hamann may be offered a new deal to stay at Anfield.

The German midfielder is out of contract at the end of the season and was expected to move back to the Bundesliga.

But Benitez said: ``I know that Hamann wants to play in Liverpool in the future. For us, it is important to have two or three possibilities for each position.

``With Steven Gerrard, Xabi Alonso and Hamann, we have three players that can keep hold of the ball. ''

Stephane Henchoz, however, has resigned himself to leaving Anfield.

The Swiss star has started only two games this season and although interest from Everton has cooled, Manchester City remain interested in signing the 30-year-old.

``I would like to play for Liverpool, '' said Henchoz.

``There is another two months before Christmas but if I don't play in that time I need to seek another option.

``My contract runs out next June so in January I would probably join another club on a free transfer.

``It's clear that I don't have the manager's confidence.

``I would like to stay in the Premiership but I haven't had any contact with any other clubs. ''

CAPTION(S):

Dietmar Hamann; The moment Liverpool striker Djibril Cisse's season ended as he broke his leg in Saturday's 2-2 draw against Blackburn