LONDON: Liverpool's teenage midfielder Jonjo Shelvey has been ruled out for the next three months with a knee tendon injury.

The 18-year-old withdrew from England Under-19s' friendly against Germany on Tuesday and further assessment at the club's Melwood training ground revealed it is a significant problem.

"I'm a bit down at the moment but I'm just hoping now I can come back stronger," Shelvey told Liverpool TV.

"I am now going to take a 12-week rehabilitation and hopefully I'll be back soon."

Shelvey has become a regular among the substitutes since Kenny Dalglish took over last month and is clearly rated by his manager, who brought him on in all of his first six matches in charge since taking over from Roy Hodgson on Jan 8.

Dalglish said of the teenager, signed from Charlton towards the end of last season: "He has done well so it is a disappointment for everyone."

MADRID: Spanish giants Real Madrid have been told to drop their pursuit of Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas (above).

Recent reports suggested Jose Mourinho and his men were set to go after the 23-year-old midfielder with a big-money offer but Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes intervened — telling his rivals that Fabregas will certainly not wear white.

"I can't imagine Fabregas in the white jersey (of Real Madrid)" said Valdes.

"As far as I know I think his wish is to come back here (to Barcelona) to his home. He knows the system here perfectly and would fit in very well."

Barcelona said their current interest in Fabregas was dead but expect them to come again for the Spain international in the summer.