Aurelio needs surgery after holiday kickabout

Liverpool defender Fabio Aurelio could be out for the first few months of the new season after picking up an injury playing football with his children.

Empics

Aurelio (L) has had several knee injuries

Reports on Thursday morning claim the 29-year-old suffered a bad twist of the knee whilst kicking a ball around on holiday and is likely to need surgery.

Aurelio's absence could mean Argentine Emiliano Insua is handed a first team berth, with Andrea Dossena surplus to requirements at Anfield.

Brazilian left-back Aurelio is in the last year of his Liverpool contract after signing from Valencia and has had a string of knee injuries throughout his career.

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez dismissed rumours that full back Fabio Aurelio will be out for six months. He said: "One, maybe two months, I expect him back by then. Certainly not six.''

Boss Rafa Benitez has brought in French rookie Chris Mavinga from PSG as back-up to Insua while Aurelio is on the sidelines.