MAREK Cech has been ruled out for around six weeks after discovering the injury he suffered in Tuesday's Carling Cup win at Leyton Orient is worse than first feared.

The left-back limped off in the 85th minute after coming on as a substitute at Brisbane Road, with what scans have now revealed is a fractured metatarsal.

And Roberto Di Matteo admits it is a big blow to lose the Slovakia international for so long.

"I'm disappointed we lost Marek Cech to injury," he said.

"That's the last thing we need and he'll be out for quite a long time so that's a big disappointment.

"We didn't think the injury was going to be that bad after the game but a scan has shown he has fractured his metatarsal and he will be out for around six weeks."

Jerome Thomas is also not expected to be fit to face Liverpool on Sunday (ko 3pm) as he looks to recover from the twisted ankle he sustained in Saturday's 1-0 win over Sunderland.

But Youssouf Mulumbu will be fit after overcoming the hamstring problem he picked up against the Black Cats.

"Jerome will be struggling for Sunday and then we'll see for the next game after the international break.

"Youssouf trained yesterday so he should be okay."

Joe Mattock (twisted ankle), Ishmael Miller (thigh) and Abdoulaye Meite (groin) are all still sidelined. 

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