Liverpool lose Smicer for six months

Czech international midfielder Vladimir Smicer, who will miss six months of Liverpool's Premiership campaign after having surgery on his right knee, the club revealed.

Czech international midfielder Vladimir Smicer will miss six months of Liverpool's Premiership campaign after having surgery on his right knee, the club revealed.

The operation was carried out by high-profile sports injuries specialist Dr Richard Steadman in Colorado.

A Liverpool spokesman told the club's official website: "Unfortunately Vladimir will not play again for six months. It is disappointing news for both him and the club. We wish him well as he begins his recovery."

Smicer, who played for his country in Euro 2004, missed over three months of last season with injuries.

Meanwhile new Liverpool coach Rafael Benitez was satisfied despite Liverpool's 1-0 defeat against European champions FC Porto in their latest pre-season match in Toronto.

An 85th minute tap-in from Carlos Alberto was enough to give the Portuguese victory after some sloppy Liverpool defending.

Benitez said: "It was a typical pre-season match. The two teams both worked hard and both sides had opportunities to score. I thought we played better in the first 30 minutes of the first half.

"Porto are champions of Europe and a very good team and like to play quick attacking football. We wanted to try a few things and in pre-season it was always my intention to make six changes at half time. I wanted to give the other players a chance and try different things and get to know them better."

Striker Michael Owen has meanwhile told The Sun newspaper that he will sign a new three-year contract when he returns to Britain from the tour.

It would be a double celebration for the club, whose plans for a new 60,000-seater stadium were approved on Friday.