Liverpool

LONDON, Oct 26 (Reuters) - Liverpool midfielder Jermaine Pennant will be sidelined for about 10 weeks following surgery this weekend on a fractured leg, the Premier league club said.

"We anticipate Jermaine will be out for approximately 10 weeks." spokesman Ian Cotton told the Merseyside club's Web site (www.liverpoolfc.tv) on Friday.

"For the last eight weeks Jermaine has undergone intensive treatment at Melwood (training ground) between matches for the injury," he added.

"But following an acute exacerbation of the problem during the game against Besiktas it has now been decided he requires surgery."

 Pennant, who was substituted in the 59th minute of the 2-1 Champions League group stage defeat in Turkey on Wednesday, has a stress fracture of the right tibia.

Liverpool host league leaders Arsenal at Anfield on Sunday (1400 GMT).