Liverpool have revealed that Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres will miss the trip to the Stadium of Light to take on Sunderland.

The dynamic duo both sustained groin injuries during the international break.

Both were unable to play for their respective countries this week, and the Reds have confirmed that they will miss the trip to Sunderland.

It is still unknown how long they will be out, but Reds boss Rafael Benitez is hoping they will be healthy enough for the midweek UEFA Champions League match against Lyon.

"Both Steven and Fernando still have some problems," Benitez confirmed.

"They will need more time and won't be available this weekend. I think they could be available for next week."

Benitez declined to comment on speculation that he was furious with both the English and Spanish medical teams for delaying Gerrard and Torres' trip back to Liverpool.

"We were talking with our medical staff and analysing all the problems, but now we can't change the situation and would prefer to concentrate on Sunderland," he said.

"I need to worry about the players I have rather than those I don't."

With Gerrard and Torres out, Dirk Kuyt has been tasked to lead the front line after Benitez revealed that the Dutchman was ready for action.

"Kuyt is okay. He was training normally with the team and will be available," added Benitez.

There was a silver lining for the Liverpool boss as he found out that Greek stopper Sotirios Kyrgiakos would only be out for a few days, rather than the months reported after an MRI revealed not ligament damage in his knee.

"With Kyrgiakos we were really worried because people were talking about maybe six months, but after the scan we think one week to ten days. That's very positive," he said.

He also confirmed summer signing Alberto Aquilani is now training with the first team.

"His physical problems, he is okay and now he has to work on his condition and so hopefully he will be fitter next week," he said.

"But he is now training with the first team and that is the most important thing."