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Steven Gerrard Out Of Liverpool's Game With Lyon
Reds without talisman for crucial clash...
02-Nov-2009 10:06:57 PM
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has today confirmed that Steven Gerrard will not be fit to face Olympique Lyonnais in the Champions League on Wednesday.
There was better news though about summer signing Alberto Aquilani, who might be available for selection after shaking off the effects of a virus.
Martin Skrtel though will remain on the sidelines with his skipper.
"Aquilani had a virus. He trained today but was a little bit weak. Hopefully in two days' time he will be better," Benitez told the Reds' official website.
"Gerrard won't travel to Lyon. He has no chance. He is improving but we have to wait. He has had an injection but we have to wait two or three days and see how he reacts.
"Skrtel has no chance. He has a small muscle problem. It's not too big but he is feeling something."
The Spaniard was also waiting on the fitness of a clutch of other key men ahead of what could be one of his most crucial games as Liverpool manager.
"[Daniel] Agger is improving - he will travel and we will then decide. He felt something in his back but it's much better now. We have to wait and see how he reacts.
"Fabio [Aurelio] is improving but he still has a small problem in his calf, so we will have to wait.
"[David] Ngog is much better, so he could be available.
"[Glen]Johnson is training and working with the physios but he is a doubt at this moment. He will travel to Lyon and we will see."
Albert Riera (hamstring) and Martin Kelly (ankle) are also definitely ruled out.
Striker Fernando Torres does travel with the squad.
Zack Wilson, Goal.com UK
There was better news though about summer signing Alberto Aquilani, who might be available for selection after shaking off the effects of a virus.
Martin Skrtel though will remain on the sidelines with his skipper.
"Aquilani had a virus. He trained today but was a little bit weak. Hopefully in two days' time he will be better," Benitez told the Reds' official website.
"Gerrard won't travel to Lyon. He has no chance. He is improving but we have to wait. He has had an injection but we have to wait two or three days and see how he reacts.
"Skrtel has no chance. He has a small muscle problem. It's not too big but he is feeling something."
The Spaniard was also waiting on the fitness of a clutch of other key men ahead of what could be one of his most crucial games as Liverpool manager.
"[Daniel] Agger is improving - he will travel and we will then decide. He felt something in his back but it's much better now. We have to wait and see how he reacts.
"Fabio [Aurelio] is improving but he still has a small problem in his calf, so we will have to wait.
"[David] Ngog is much better, so he could be available.
"[Glen]Johnson is training and working with the physios but he is a doubt at this moment. He will travel to Lyon and we will see."
Albert Riera (hamstring) and Martin Kelly (ankle) are also definitely ruled out.
Striker Fernando Torres does travel with the squad.
Zack Wilson, Goal.com UK
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