Christian Benteke won't be fit for a reunion with Aston Villa this weekend - and could miss the Merseyside derby next month.

The striker underwent a scan on Tuesday as the club looked to determine how much damage the striker has done to his hamstring. It means he is a doubt for the trip to Everton on October 4 and the Europa League game against Sion next week.

The Belgium international was substituted at half-time during Sunday's 1-1 draw with Norwich as a precaution after he complained of a tightness in his muscle and. Wednesday's Capital One Cup tie against Carlisle at Anfield was always going to be too soon.

Liverpool striker Christian Benteke (pictured against Norwich City) will miss the Aston Villa clash

Benteke was forced to watch the second half of Liverpool's match against Norwich from the subs' bench

The former Aston Villa man led Liverpool's forward line alongside the returning Daniel Sturridge

His absence opens up the prospect of Danny Ings being given a start after his excellent performance at the weekend, when he scored his first Liverpool goal and provided Brendan Rodgers' side with an energy and presence that they had been lacking.

Gary McAllister, Liverpool's first-team coach, was thrilled with Ings' contribution and believes his willingness to work and learn means there is no need to rush Benteke back from his injury.

'Christian is going to have an MRI scan and we will find out the problem then,' said McAllister at a press conference at Melwood.

'Danny [Ings] came on and it was really refreshing to see him. If you see him every day in training, there is no-one who deserves a goal more than him. It was no fluke that he was able to get into the position and score. He has been working hard at his game.

'When you work with young players, it is always encouraging to see that they are learning and Danny is certainly open to advice. I hope that he is going to go on a run.'

McAllister, who returned to Anfield in the summer as part of a backroom shake up, added: 'Daniel Sturridge was another positive. He brings something a bit different to us. The medical guys are aware here of his situation. We will look after him. I think everyone is good (in terms of fitness). Jordan Henderson has come through his operation fine.'

Liverpool have not won for five games and that has left both a sense of restlessness among the supporters and an increased scrutiny on the position of Brendan Rodgers. McAllister, though, feels the pressure is a good thing and what is to be expected when you work at Anfield.

Coach Gary McAllister was pleased to see Danny Ings (above) score his first competitive Liverpool coach

'There is always pressure when results do not go well,' said McAllister, who won five trophies during his two year spell as a Liverpool player between 2000 and 2002.

'But day-by-day, the (understanding between the coaching staff) is getting better and better. When the heat is on, you tend to get closer as a group and I am certainly enjoying being back here.

'We need to get some momentum going. We are on the back of having some home games and we want to do well. We have done our preparation for Carlisle like we would for any other team.'