Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt suffers 'serious' ankle injury

Liverpool and Holland striker Dirk Kuyt was taken to hospital on Tuesday night with a serious ankle injury sustained during their Euro 2012 qualifier against Sweden.

Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt suffers 'serious' ankle injury
Down and out: Dirk Kuyt has picked up an ankle knock Credit: Photo: ACTION IMAGES

The Dutch forward had to come off just before the half-hour mark when he landed awkwardly after jumping for a ball with Sweden's Daniel Majstorovic.

"Dirk wanted to play on but our doctor prevented that and told me to substitute him," Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk said.

"He is now in a hospital but following the doctor's first opinion it could be very serious and keep him sidelined for a long time."

That is the last thing Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson needs to hear as he prepares for the weekend's Merseyside derby at Everton.

Liverpool travel to Goodison Park on Sunday sat in the bottom three of the Premier League.

Daniel Agger is also likely to miss the Everton clash. Agger, making his comeback from a groin problem, played just 39 minutes of Denmark's game against Cyprus.