Steven Gerrard struggles with toe injury

[Yozza]

http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-fc/liverpool-fc-news/2007/08/30/steven-gerrard-struggles-with-toe-injury-100252-19708861/

STEVEN GERRARD is losing his battle to face Derby County this weekend.

The Reds skipper is still suffering with a broken toe and would require another painkilling injection to face The Rams.

Manager Rafa Benitez admitted today it’s unlikely he’ll risk his captain.

“We’ll train again this afternoon, but I spoke to Steven again yesterday and the news was not very positive,” explained Benitez.

“It will be very difficult for him to play on Saturday. The doctor will continue to help him, but maybe it’s too early for this weekend.”

Jamie Carragher is also a definite absentee. He only left hospital on Tuesday and will undergo another scan on his ribs and lung today.

But Andriy Voronin has recovered from a slight thigh strain which kept him out of Tuesday’s Champions League qualifier.

Added Benitez: “Voronin didn’t have a big problem but we decided to be careful against Toulouse.

“We also have Fabio Aurelio and Harry Kewell improving all the time and we hope to be have them back in the squad soon.”

Benitez spent yesterday trying to find defensive reinforcements, but it’s now unlikely Liverpool will be involved in any major transfer activity before tomorrow’s midnight deadline.

“Maybe there will be deals for some of our young reserves, that’s all,” said Benitez. “We were checking some options for the first team squad yesterday, but it’s very difficult to find the right players this late. I don’t think we will be signing anyone now.

“Rick, Foster, Eduardo (Macia) and I looked at some options, but we decided we don’t want to sign a player just for the sake of it. It has to be the right player and not for crazy money.”

Despite ongoing speculation linking Peter Crouch with a last minute exit, Benitez is adamant he has no intention of selling the striker, who made a goalscoring return in Europe in midweek.

“There has been no bid for Crouch, certainly not before this morning anyway,” said Benitez, responding to more speculation today.

“I have the same idea now as I’ve said before. I don’t want to let anyone go. I’ve spoken to the player and he knows we need him.”

Portsmouth are being linked with a last ditch bid for the striker, but Benitez is confident Crouch has no intention of seeking a move.

Whether the player’s representatives see it that way may become clearer over the next 48 hours, but Liverpool will resist any attempt to lure the striker away, especially as it would be too late to replace him

[spud_gun]

No point rushing Stevie G back. Let him miss this weekends game and the two England games and we can have him rested and fit for the Portsmouth game.

We've got more than enough strength in depth that we don't need to risk players.

[Pablo]

No one in, not one out then. Pretty much suspected that at this late stage.

As for Gerrard, not at all surprised he will miss out on Saturday, no point taking any risks. I wonder whether he will be fit for England, im sure Rafa will want him to rest it. I can smell some trouble with McClaren over this over the coming week.

[anfieldanfield]

I think it would be very harsh to drop Momo on Saturday, but that's exactly what I expect Rafa to do.

I think we'll see Masher and Xabi in the middle against Derby.

[Pacman]

I think it would be very harsh to drop Momo on Saturday, but that's exactly what I expect Rafa to do.

I think we'll see Masher and Xabi in the middle against Derby.

I think he'll do that as well.

What a squad we've got

[The_weatherman]

I think it would be very harsh to drop Momo on Saturday, but that's exactly what I expect Rafa to do.

I think we'll see Masher and Xabi in the middle against Derby.

Wanna bet? I think Momo will keep his place.

[StevieG08]

bit of a suprise about not signing a CB, perhaps Sami's classy performance against Toulouse made Rafa's mind up not to panic buy?

With a bit of luck SG wont be able to turn out for England either so he will be extra fresh for the league campaign.

[Woobus]

Beckam injured as well, I wonder if McClaren will come crawling to Pennant? I hope he tells him where to stick his spot.

[cobain]

I think we have enough class in the squad now. We actually don't need Stevie for Derby. Let him rest and prepare himself for bigger games

[carrsim]

Beckam injured as well, I wonder if McClaren will come crawling to Pennant? I hope he tells him where to stick his spot.

this is one player i want to see play for england. confirms that rafa was right to buy him and stick with him. makes him look even more shrewd.

and it'll shut up the gooners in my office (and some of the reds who have been on his back since he arrived)

[Joe King]

I didn't see Rafa wanting to play Gerrard anyway, he can come back after a nice rest for the tricky game against Pompey.

I don't yellow teeth will ever come to Pennant, he loves Wright Phillips and the crocked Dyer. He will probably end up playing Downing on the right before he plays Pennant. The toss pot

[Cormack74]

I didn't see Rafa wanting to play Gerrard anyway, he can come back after a nice rest for the tricky game against Pompey.

I don't yellow teeth will ever come to Pennant, he loves Wright Phillips and the crocked Dyer. He will probably end up playing Downing on the right before he plays Pennant. The toss pot

It used to bother me when our players didn't get picked. These days I'm pleased.

I know it's hard on JP but I much prefer to see Chav and Scum players missing out on a rest, and getting rubbished when England lose, whilst our boys put their feet up.

[StevieG08]

More than happy for our players to not play for England whilst that **** wit McLown manages them, waste of ****ing time!!

[Red_Polo]

It used to bother me when our players didn't get picked. These days I'm pleased.

I know it's hard on JP but I much prefer to see Chav and Scum players missing out on a rest, and getting rubbished when England lose, whilst our boys put their feet up.

With our best players I'd definitely agree, but with Pennant I feel he'd be a better player with the experience under his belt.

[Imy]

With our best players I'd definitely agree, but with Pennant I feel he'd be a better player with the experience under his belt.

Dunno about that, Yellow teeth/weird bald head loves Beckham too much and doesn't really give chances to fringe players. How many times have we seen some guy only get 1 or 2 chances to perform in before getting dropped?

Now that would not help Pennant confidence much.