Liverpool star striker Fernando Torres has been ruled out for two to three weeks after it was confirmed that the Spaniard had torn his hamstring in Sunday's clash with Aston Villa.

Rafa Benitez will now need to rely on his new GBP20million pound man, Robbie Keane, as well as youngsters David N'Gog and Nabil El Zhar while his star forward recovers.

Torres pulled up while chasing a ball on Sunday and immediately left the field after just 30 minutes of action.

A Liverpool spokesman confirmed on Monday that the injury was indeed as bad as first feared and the striker will now face a tough test in order to be ready for Liverpool's Champions League opener at Marseille on September 16.

"A scan this afternoon has confirmed a hamstring tear in Fernando's right leg.

"He is expected to be out for between two and three weeks."