Momo Sissoko feared his career was over after suffering an ey injury injuring in Liverpool’s Champions League defeat to Benfica.

The Mali international was accidentily kicked in the face by Benfica midfielder Beto during the match on February 21 and there were fears at the time that he would never play again.

Howvere, he has made a full recovery and played in Liverpool’s FA Cup quarter-final victory over Birmingham City on Tuesday wearing protective goggles.

“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 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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