Gerrard is out!

[Joe King]

Steven Gerrard has been ruled out of Liverpool's clash with Manchester City this weekend.
The Reds midfielder is still recovering from a hamstring injury and won't be risked for the visit of Mark Hughes' men.

There was hope earlier in the week that Gerrard could be on the bench this weekend, but manager Rafael Benitez today confirmed he will not figure.

"Steven will not be ready for this game. We don't know if he'll be back for the game in midweek but clearly he will not be involved against City," said the boss.

"I spoke to him five minutes ago and he has confidence he will be back for Madrid, but we will decide on Monday.

"He is improving but we cannot take any risks, so he won't be in the squad this weekend."

Gerrard and Philipp Degen apart, Benitez reports no fresh injury worries for Sunday's game.

[Fubar]

better to rest him anyway.

[gaz01]

Xabi is out too, could be a disaster

[Kenneth]

A perfect chance to see Yossi in a central midfield role.

[Imy]

A perfect chance to see Yossi in a central midfield role.

Usually would disagree with that as i think Yossi is way to lightweight, but against Man City who don't seem to have as solid a centre as opposed to some other teams it may just work.

[Reece]

Spearing FTW!

[smu1977]

City are crap away from home, but still not too thrilled about a Monster & Lucas midfield

[Kenneth]

Usually would disagree with that as i think Yossi is way to lightweight, but against Man City who don't seem to have as solid a centre as opposed to some other teams it may just work.

I got murdered for even raising the prospect a couple of weeks ago I just don't want to see us put Lucas there just to follow the tradition of 2 pretty defensive players in the middle of the park. Escpecially when, as you say, City have the make up of a cream egg.

[RedReet]

Usually would disagree with that as i think Yossi is way to lightweight, but against Man City who don't seem to have as solid a centre as opposed to some other teams it may just work.

That's why they bought De Jong.

[bonzai]

Xabi is out too, could be a disaster

F**k me, nothing like a bit of positive thinking!!!!!!!

[paulc]

City are crap away from home, but still not too thrilled about a Monster & Lucas midfield

aurelio?

[Aza]

F**k me, nothing like a bit of positive thinking!!!!!!!

Correct; it is nothing like positive thinking

We should muller these lot without SG or Xabi anyway

[Shaggy]

Lucas and Mash is a recipe for disaster. I'd sooner see Aurelio paired with the Argentine, but I can't see Rafa dealing Lucas such a blow as to prefer a left-back in CM.

I'd go 4-2-3-1, Fabio and Javier as I said, with Yossi in his best position off the front.

[red g]

Steven Gerrard has been ruled out of Liverpool's clash with Manchester City this weekend.
The Reds midfielder is still recovering from a hamstring injury and won't be risked for the visit of Mark Hughes' men.

There was hope earlier in the week that Gerrard could be on the bench this weekend, but manager Rafael Benitez today confirmed he will not figure.

"Steven will not be ready for this game. We don't know if he'll be back for the game in midweek but clearly he will not be involved against City," said the boss.

"I spoke to him five minutes ago and he has confidence he will be back for Madrid, but we will decide on Monday.

"He is improving but we cannot take any risks, so he won't be in the squad this weekend."

Gerrard and Philipp Degen apart, Benitez reports no fresh injury worries for Sunday's game.

I know stevie g is out, but Degen missing again, going to a be a big loss.

[MrsB]

I know stevie g is out, but Degen missing again, going to a be a big loss.

Yeah, we're doomed.