Liverpool defender Fabio Aurelio is facing the rest of the season on the sidelines after sustaining a groin injury.

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The Brazilian full-back had to be stretchered off the pitch during Tuesday's Champions League semi-final with Chelsea following a innocuous looking second half collision with Joe Cole.

Test later confirmed the 28-year-old had torn an abductor muscle and will be out of action for three weeks.

"I have been talking with the doctor and with this kind of injury it usually takes a minimum of three weeks for the player to recover so it will be very difficult for Fabio to play again this season," said Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez.

"It is very disappointing because Fabio has been doing a good job for the team."

Liverpool travel to Birmingham this weekend before playing Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the second leg of their Champions League encounter next Wednesday.

Manchester City and Tottenham complete this season's domestic fixture list for Liverpool, while there is still the posibility of winning a place in the Champions League final on May 21.