Liverpool and Mali midfielder Momo Sissoko feared his footballing career was over after injuring his eye against Benfica in the Champions League.

The Mali midfielder, who has been impressive since his move to Anfield, suffered serious eye damage when he was accidentally kicked in the face by Benfica midfielder Beto during the match on February 21.

It was initially feared that the 21-year-old player would lose the sight in his eye, but his recovery has been so quick that he actually played the full-match in Liverpool's 7-0 FA Cup quarter-final victory over Birmingham City on Tuesday and will feature in Saturday's Merseyside derby.

“After the kick I knew it was a bad injury. Then I went to hospital and they said the injury was very serious,” Sissoko told Liverpool's official club magazine.

“They said for a footballer it was bad and with this injury it might be the end of my career.

“I was crying. I couldn't sleep. There was a lot of things going on in my mind and it was difficult.

“I'm only 21 and I didn't know what I was going to do for the rest of my life.

“After the kick I had no vision, nothing at all. It was zero vision, but from the second week it has slowly come back.

“It has been very difficult for me, mentally and for my family. I was praying I would get better and I say it's thanks to the Lord that I have.”

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez added: “It was important to see Momo training and playing games again. He is a fantastic player and you can see the energy he has.

“It was a problem when people were talking about the future of Mo and we are pleased to see him back.”

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