Liverpool FC Forum

[A.B.]

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has cast doubts over whether Steven Gerrard could play for England in their World Cup double-header with Wales and Northern Ireland next month.

The Reds captain is definitely out of the Champions League third qualifying round second leg against CSKA Sofia on Tuesday with a calf injury, but it has also now emerged he is struggling to face CSKA Moscow in the European Super Cup in Monaco on Friday.

If that turns out to be the case Benitez believes playing for England the week after will also be a major problem.
Benitez says: "If he is not fit for Friday's match it will be dangerous to play for England.

"If he has not played games before the internationals it will be dangerous for him to play for England.

"I would need to talk to the doctor after the Sofia game, and then about Monaco for the Super Cup. If he is not fit in two or three days, for him to play a week later would be dangerous, I will talk with the England manager if it is necessary."

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I would be glad if Gerrard missed games for England, International games are a waste. We dont play in the Premiership until 10th of September so Gerrard has time to recover

[Luis Garcia]

the injury news is......hes injured!

[destro]

hopefully we wont have to rely on him for those 2 games, lets hope cisse has gained some composure by then instead of trying to break the net with every shot

[Fernando Morientes > 19 <]

I guess that Garcia would replace him in tomorrow's game and i would also like to see Flo-Po back on the right wing. Cissé should be up front with Fernando Morientes.

[A.B.]

I guess that Garcia would replace him in tomorrow's game and i would also like to see Flo-Po back on the right wing. Cissé should be up front with Fernando Morientes.

Pongolle hasn't played in the senior team in over six months and you expect him to play tomorrow?

[red37]

I guess that Garcia would replace him in tomorrow's game and i would also like to see Flo-Po back on the right wing. Cissé should be up front with Fernando Morientes.

Pongolle hasn't played in the senior team in over six months and you expect him to play tomorrow?

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alonso was out for 4 months. cisse even longer..they did ok returning in big games?

i agree it is a gamble though.

[mighty mo]

i,m crossing my fingers that gerrard is back for friday

[PinkPantha]

i,m crossing my fingers that gerrard is back for friday

Me too

[A.B.]

What, we can't beat CKSA Moscow without Gerrard?

[XSD]

Alonso and Hamann are still a solid central pair, Sissoko as well. Gerrard should be back for the next premiership games, those are the important ones.

[A.B.]

Gerrard would have 16 days of rest, which will really help us in the long run.