The Liverpool winger Albert Riera has been suspended by the club for his outspoken attack on the manager, Rafael Benítez, and the club.

The Spain international has been disciplined by Benítez and told not to return to the Merseysiders' Melwood training ground until Monday, it is understood. Other reports suggest the player will also been placed on the transfer list and will be fined two weeks' wages.

Riera launched a critical broadside at Benítez, claiming he did not speak to him, and described Liverpool as a "sinking ship".

Benítez is believed to be fuming about the timing of the interview, which was broadcast less than 24 hours before tonight's Europa League last-16 second leg at home to Lille, which Liverpool won 3-0 (3-1 on aggregate), and he has taken swift action to discipline the player.

The suspension means Riera, who came on as a substitute in Lille last week but was not on the bench for Monday's Premier League victory over Portsmouth, missed the Europa League second leg tie and will be missing from Sunday's trip to Old Trafford to face Manchester United.

In his interview Riera told Radio Marca: "When the coach says nothing to you and you are well, with no physical problems and training well, you cannot help but think it must be something personal."

He also went on to say he felt Liverpool were a "sinking ship" after a poor season which has seen early exits from the title race, Champions League and FA Cup.

However, the former Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann strongly criticised the 27-year-old for looking to shift the blame from some mediocre personal performances in the current campaign.

"I didn't read too much into the comments because he's a player who has not played too much football over the last six to eight months," said the former Germany international.

"He is clearly frustrated but you have to say since he signed for Liverpool [in the summer of 2008] he has not done enough to really have an opinion on the manager.

"If Riera is not in the team, it is probably because he is not doing enough in training or in games. The first question you have to ask when you are not playing is have you done enough to be in the team.

"It happens too often with players who can't get in the team and the first thing they do is blame the manager. They should look at themselves.

"I can honestly say I have never had a problem with a manager in 15 years of my career and I would never blame a manager for my not playing."