Liverpool defender Glen Johnson faces a month on the sidelines with a groin injury.

Johnson was replaced by Kolo Toure during the first half of Manchester United's 3-0 win.

Johnson, who will be out of contract next June, is now facing a second significant spell out this season after missing almost six weeks with a thigh injury in the autumn.

And Brendan Rodgers goes into Christmas without one of his most-trusted defenders as he aims to turn around a run of form which has seen Liverpool win just two of their past 10 games.