Liverpool FC's Joe Cole will sit out the UEFA Europa League visit of SSC Napoli after succumbing to a hamstring injury during the weekend victory over Bolton Wanderers FC.

The Merseyside club confirmed today that England midfielder Cole had sustained a hamstring strain, with Liverpool doctor Peter Brukner saying: "It is not a serious injury but still means he is likely to be out for two weeks."

Cole limped out of Sunday's match at Bolton and will remain sidelined for the UEFA Europa League home game against Napoli, the side second to Liverpool in Group K, on Thursday.

The summer signing from Chelsea FC will also miss a Premier League reunion with his former Stamford Bridge team-mates at Anfield on Sunday, Cole's 29th birthday. The subsequent away fixtures against Wigan Athletic FC and Stoke City FC could also come too soon for the one-time West Ham United FC prodigy.