Liverpool could be without Steven
Gerrard for up to three weeks due to a hamstring problem the captain
suffered during the Premier League win over Tottenham Hotspur.
Gerrard was replaced in the 68th minute of
Tuesday's 3-2 victory over Mauricio Pochettino's side after
complaining of a tight hamstring. The 34-year-old will have a scan on the
injury but expects to be sidelined for two to three weeks, forcing the
midfielder to miss the FA Cup fifth-round tie at Crystal Palace, the Europa
League first leg with Besiktas and the Premier League trip to Southampton on
Sunday week.
Gerrard’s absence would represent another setback
in midfield for Brendan Rodgers, who on Saturday lost the influential Lucas
Leiva for between four and six weeks with a thigh injury. The manager responded
to the captain’s withdrawal against Spurs by introducing Dejan Lovren into
Liverpool’s defence and pushing the commanding Emre Can into midfield. The
Germany under-21 international could be set for an extended run in central
midfield with Lovren and Glen Johnson vying for a return to the back three.
Tuesday also marked Daniel Sturridge’s
first Liverpool start since 31 August and, despite an influential
74-minute display in which he was tripped for a penalty, struck a post and
forced Hugo Lloris into several saves, the striker was frustrated at being
replaced.
“Obviously I still have a few gears to go up as
it was my first start for five months or so,” he said. “I was frustrated to
come off because I wanted to play the 90 but they wanted to protect me and took
me off. I am frustrated about that because I hate coming off but it’s one of those
situations where I am also happy the team wins. But I am ready to go
now.“That’s the main thing now, helping as best I can to push us up the table
and to fight for the Europa League and FA Cup.”
Sturridge, who was replaced by match-winner Mario
Balotelli, has suffered two thigh injuries and a calf problem since August but
admits he struggles with Liverpool’s need to manage his recovery carefully.
The England international added: “It’s
frustrating to be honest but it is what it is and comes with the territory of
them wanting me to remain out there and be fit. They are just trying to do
their job and protect me and I can’t argue with that. I have to take that into
account but it is frustrating for me because every minute counts and I have
missed a lot of them, so I want as many as I can get now.”
Culled from www.theguardian.com
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