01.01.2005 - Alonso facing lengthy injury lay off

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Xabi Alonso will be sidelined until at least February after breaking his right ankle during Liverpool's Premiership defeat by Chelsea.

Alonso picked up the injury after being on the recieving end of a strong challenge by Frank Lampard, which earned the Chelsea midfielder a yellow card.

The news will come as another blow to Benitez, who is still without a number of first team players, and was recently hit with the news that Harry Kewell will miss at least a month with a groin injury.

The only goal of today's game was scored by Joe Cole, who saw his 20 yard strike take a deflection off Carragher before beating Dudek on 80 minutes.

But despite the result, it was a match which Liverpool dominated and the Reds were furious after Mile Riley failed to award a first half penalty following a blatant handball in the box by Tiago.

Riley appeared to ready to award the penalty but just as he was about to blow his whistle, the controversial official changed his mind, allowing play to continue.

The defeat leaves Liverpool still six points behind Everton, who remain in 4th place despite losing to Spurs. Middlesbrough, who were also beaten, separate the two Merseyside clubs and are one point ahead Liverpool.