Liverpool's English international midfielder Nick Barmby could miss the FA Cup final against Arsenal on May 12th after injuring his ankle in the semi-final win against Wycombe Wanderers last Sunday.
Barmby (26) had hoped to play again next week but his ankle, which he has injured before, has been placed in a plaster cast.
Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier said: "It would be premature to say his season is over and I still hope he will be available to start playing before the end of the season. But there are only five and a half weeks to the last game."
Liverpool have two Premier League games this weekend - against Leeds tomorrow and Everton on Monday - before they face Barcelona at Anfield next Thursday in the second leg of the UEFA Cup semi-final.
Barmby could also miss the UEFA Cup final, if Liverpool advance, as the game is only four days after the FA Cup final.
"All I can do is keep my fingers crossed," he said.