 Liverpool went on to win the game 3–2 but it was later confirmed the central defender had torn the posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee and would face up to eight weeks on the sidelines.On 28 December 2008, Škrtel returned from injury as a late substitute in Liverpool's 5–1 away win at Newcastle.He was a regular starter for Liverpool during the second half of the season, as the team finished second in the Premier League with 86 points.