Woe for Liverpool as Kelly out for six months

Liverpool, England: Brendan Rodgers’ early-season problems have continued at Liverpool, with Martin Kelly ruled out for at least six months with a cruciate ligament injury suffered against Manchester United.

The Liverpool right-back, who was included in Roy Hodgson’s England squad for Euro 2012, was forced off during Sunday’s 2-1 defeat at Anfield following an innocuous-looking foul by Robin van Persie. Kelly landed awkwardly, however, and a scan on Monday revealed a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.

Liverpool have confirmed the 22-year-old requires surgery and will be sidelined “for a significant period of time” with the defender unlikely to resume training until March. The news is a major setback for Kelly, who has been hampered by injury throughout his Liverpool career but had established himself under Kenny Dalglish and Rodgers. He tweeted: “What I can say is it’s not the worst injury I’ve had, and for sure I’ll be fighting for my place next year when I’m back fitter and stronger!”