Liverpool goalkeeper Jose Reina a doubt for Merseyside derby against Everton

Liverpool goalkeeper Jose Reina (GETTY IMAGES)

Liverpool goalkeeper Jose Reina may not recover from injury in time to play Everton this weekend.

The Spain international injured a hamstring while on international duty and was forced to miss the 1-0 victory over Reading on Saturday, in which deputy Brad Jones had an outstanding game.

Reina said earlier this week: "I'm getting better, little by little. I'll be patient and get really good."

Speaking ahead of Liverpool's Europa League game against Anzhi Makhachkala at Anfield, which Reina appears certain to miss, assistant manager Colin Pascoe admitted there was uncertainty over when the 30-year-old would return to action.

"We are not quite sure at the moment," he said when asked when Reina would return.

"Hopefully not too long. He is doing his rehab at the moment and is working hard in training.

"So we will just have to assess him over the weekend and we will see then."

With Reina absent, Liverpool will be pleased with the performance of Jones at the weekend, in which he kept only Liverpool's second clean sheet of the Premier League season.

Reina said of his deputy: "Brad was excellent.

"He was composed, he was really good in the air, when he was called on he was fast off his line, and he played well with his feet. He had a complete game.

"He's a good fighter and a good 'keeper for Liverpool, not just an understudy.

"He's another 'keeper for the club and he'll do his best to play as many games as possible."