Roy Hodgson has revealed that Liverpool striker Dirk Kuyt could be ruled out for longer than the predicted four weeks which could hinder their bid for Premier League and Europa League success this season (150/1 Premier League + Europa League – Liverpool Trophy Multiples).

The 30-year-old Dutch striker suffered ruptured ligaments in his shoulder when attempting a bicycle kick in training while on international duty.

And while Kuyt was hopeful that he would be back to face his former club FC Utrecht in the Europa League (Liverpool 8/13 Group K) on September 30, Hodgson feels he could be out for longer.

“It could be more than four weeks. It’s one of those injuries where it’s very difficult for the doctor to say and I think four weeks is a very conservative estimate,” Hodgson told the club’s official website.

“If we’re lucky, it could be earlier, but it could be longer. We have to be very careful because it’s the type of injury that has to be treated with a lot of respect.

“It’s a great blow for us because Dirk is an important member of our first team. He does a job which is not easy to replace because he has all the qualities required for that role on the field.”

Kuyt’s absence means Hodgson will be desperate for David Ngog to overcome a hamstring problem in time for Sunday’s clash at Birmingham (Liverpool 6/5, Birmingham 15/8, draw 11/5 – Match Betting).