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Rafael Benitez Admits Steven Gerrard Is A Doubt For Liverpool's 'Must-Win' Lyon Clash
Reds may be without their talisman for crunch clash...
31-Oct-2009 8:57:19 PM
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has admitted that skipper Steven Gerrard could miss next week’s trip to Lyon in the Champions League.
The captain is struggling with a groin injury that saw him sidelined for last weekend’s 2-0 victory over Manchester United and today’s clash with Fulham.
Furthermore, his manager has now conceded that the midfielder is a doubt for the Reds’ Champions League clash, revealing "there is a problem" with the 29-year-old.
"I do not know yet whether Steven will play in Lyon, we must work with him," the Spaniard told The Mirror.
"But it is true there is a problem."
Having lost their last two fixtures in the competition against Fiorentina and Lyon, Wednesday’s game is crucial to the Merseysiders with Benitez admitting that victory is essential.
"We must win in Lyon. No matter what happens elsewhere, anything but a victory will leave us facing a really bad situation," explained Benitez.
"We do have a problem if he [Gerrard] is not fit for Lyon, it is a crucial time. In three days we will maybe have a better idea. He is doing well, and maybe he could be available.”
The Liverpool manager also revealed that Glen Johnson, another injury victim, was also doubtful for the trip to France, adding: "But Glen Johnson will be out for five days with a calf tear, so he is a problem too."
Gill Clark, Goal.com UK
The captain is struggling with a groin injury that saw him sidelined for last weekend’s 2-0 victory over Manchester United and today’s clash with Fulham.
Furthermore, his manager has now conceded that the midfielder is a doubt for the Reds’ Champions League clash, revealing "there is a problem" with the 29-year-old.
"I do not know yet whether Steven will play in Lyon, we must work with him," the Spaniard told The Mirror.
"But it is true there is a problem."
Having lost their last two fixtures in the competition against Fiorentina and Lyon, Wednesday’s game is crucial to the Merseysiders with Benitez admitting that victory is essential.
"We must win in Lyon. No matter what happens elsewhere, anything but a victory will leave us facing a really bad situation," explained Benitez.
"We do have a problem if he [Gerrard] is not fit for Lyon, it is a crucial time. In three days we will maybe have a better idea. He is doing well, and maybe he could be available.”
The Liverpool manager also revealed that Glen Johnson, another injury victim, was also doubtful for the trip to France, adding: "But Glen Johnson will be out for five days with a calf tear, so he is a problem too."
Gill Clark, Goal.com UK
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