Martin Skrtel injury: Liverpool defender stretchered off wearing neck brace after losing consciousness

Slovakian hurt in awkward fall early on during FA Cup tie with Blackburn

Martin Skrtel pictured being taken from the pitch (GETTY IMAGES)

Martin Skrtel was stretchered off during Liverpool's FA Cup tie with Blackburn Rovers after falling awkwardly at Anfield and losing consciousness.

The Slovakian defender was given treatment on the pitch for nearly nine minutes, with medics appearing concerned about moving him.

Eventually he was lifted onto a stretcher and taken from the pitch with the 30-year-old wearing a neck brace.

Although team-mates and supporters looked concerned, Skrtel was able to put both thumbs up as he lay on the stretcher, however it was revealed later that the Slovakian lost consciousness for a period.

LIVE: Liverpool vs Blackburn latest

The early prognosis appears to be good. BT Sport's touchline reporter Des Kelly said that there was no sign or anything fractured or broken and commented that "no one's particularly worried about him". It was later reported that Skrtel had said he wanted to continue playing but was stopped from doing so by medics.

The FA Cup quarter-final finished 0-0.