Skrtel was injured in a second-half clash with Antonio Semedo as the Reds won 3-1 in Romania to reach the last 16 with a 4-1 aggregate score.

BBC: Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel out for eight weeks

Kevin Phillips, in particular, was finding lots of space in between the Wednesday midfield and defence and it made Megson introduce Jose Semedo at the break to try and close the veteran striker down.

BBC: Sheffield Wed 0-3 Blackpool

Liverpool reduced the match to a training ground exercise for long periods thereafter, but Benitez's hopes of an injury-free night were ended when defender Martin Skrtel was stretchered off after injuring his foot in a challenge with Antonio Semedo.

BBC: Unirea 1-3 Liverpool (agg 1-4)