Liverpool await Gerrard verdict

LIVERPOOL EXPECT to discover the results of the treatment Steven Gerrard had on an ankle infection over the weekend within the next couple of days but are keeping an open mind over the extent of the problem.

The Liverpool captain missed Saturday’s 2-0 win at West Brom as, after initially travelling to the midlands on Friday with the rest of the squad, he was not fit enough to play in the evening kick-off the following day. Gerrard is believed to have picked up a knock in training which subsequently became infected and required medical intervention at a Liverpool hospital yesterday.

Photographs showing the England midfielder on crutches with what appears to be a knee-high cast or heavy strapping on his right leg raised fears the 31-year-old could be set for a long lay-off. The club will not comment on Gerrard’s fitness but it is likely there will be no prognosis on the problem or definitive decision on what treatment he will undergo until at least tomorrow and possibly later in the week, when the medical team at Melwood have had a chance to fully assess the player.

Any time on the sidelines would be a blow to Gerrard and Liverpool as the player has only just returned to action after six months out. Gerrard had an operation on a long-term groin problem in March and his comeback from that was delayed because of an infection.

He finally made his return in the second half of Liverpool’s League Cup victory at Brighton on September 21st and, after two further substitute appearances, started his first match since March 6th in the draw with Manchester United just over a fortnight ago.

His latest injury set-back, however, could put his participation in England’s friendlies against Spain and Sweden on November 12th and 15th at Wembley in doubt. He missed this month’s final Euro 2012 qualifier in Montenegro as he had played less than an hour’s football in the current season and so was not selected by Fabio Capello.

The international break could give him time to recover for a tough spell for his club at end of the month when they travel to Chelsea twice – once in the League Cup quarter-final – and host league leaders Manchester City. But Dalglish, as he said at the weekend, will not know for a day or two.