Liverpool defender Skrtel 'fine' after heavy fall against Blackburn

The 30-year-old landed awkwardly following a challenge with Rudy Gestede and left the pitch with his neck in a brace

Martin Skrtel is undergoing precautionary scans at the hospital after being stretchered off in Liverpool’sgoalless draw with Blackburn Rovers but Brendan Rodgers insists the defender is “fine”.

Skrtel collided with Rudy Gestede in an aerial challenge in the third minute of the FA Cup quarter-final tie at Anfield but required treatment on the pitch for eight minutes before being forced to leave the field on a stretcher with his neck in a brace.

As he was taken from the field, Skrtel was conscious and gave fans a thumbs-up, while the Liverpool manager has revealed the extent of the 30-year-old’s injury is not serious.

“He’s fine but he’ll go to the hospital to make sure. We have to follow procedure,” said Rodgers after the match.

“He was up walking and talking after the game.”