Jose Reina joins Fabio Borini on the sidelines as Liverpool injury crisis deepens

Jose Reina pictured training with Spain (GETTY IMAGES)

It was announced yesterday that Liverpool striker Fabio Borini would be out of action for around three-months after an operation on a fractured bone in his foot.

Now, Liverpool also have doubts over the fitness of Jose Reina after the goalkeeper returned from international duty with a hamstring strain.

The 30-year-old keeper, who has endured an indifferent start to the season, complained of a soreness as he warmed up for Spain's World Cup qualifier with France on Tuesday. Reina was an unused substitute for the match.

Reina returned to his club yesterday and is considered doubtful for the Premier League game at home to Reading on Saturday.

Should Reina miss out, deputy Brad Jones, who is yet to make a Premier League start for Liverpool since joining the club in 2010, will come in. The Australian has featured in two Europa League games this season - keeping a clean sheet against Gomel before conceding three against Young Boys. He also played in Liverpool's Capital One Cup victory over West Brom.

Reina's injury does not appear too serious, with the greater concern being the long-term absence of Borini which means Liverpool are left with just one striker.

Borini suffered the injury to his foot in the 2-1 Premier League defeat to Manchester United earlier this season, and although concerns remained, he joined up with the Italy under-21s during the international break.

The 21-year-old damaged the bone further in training ahead of the European Championship qualifier against Sweden which Italy won 4-2 on aggregate.

A statement on Liverpool's official website read: "Borini was assessed by the club's medical team upon his return to Melwood (training ground) and a decision was made for the 21-year-old to have surgery.

"Typically, an injury of this nature requires a three-month rehabilitation period."

Borini has yet to score in five Barclays Premier League games since his summer move from Roma, with his only goal coming in Europa League qualifying against Belarussian side Gomel.

Luis Suarez is left as Liverpool's only recognised striker as questions over why Andy Carroll was allowed to leave for West Ham on loan grow louder.