27.01.2003 - Kirkland season ended by injury

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Chris Kirkland will miss the remainder of the season, after a scan on his injured right knee confirmed that he had suffered a torn cruciate ligament.

Initial fears were that the Liverpool 'keeper had suffered a broken leg following a sickening collision between himself and Dele Adebola in yesterday's FA Cup 4th round tie.

But despite an early scan revealed no fracture, there were still fears that the injury was serious, fears which were confirmed following a further scan this morning.

There is no news on an expected return date for Kirkland as yet, but a similar injury was suffered by ex-Liverpool 'keeper David James last season, and after a quick recovery, James was back in action in just over three months.

The injury means that Jerzy Dudek will regain his place as Liverpool's number one.