Crouch worry for Reds
Aug 3 2005
L Echo
A HAMSTRING injury for his new £7million striker Peter Crouch was Rafael Benitez's only worry as Liverpool hauled themselves into the final qualifying round of the Champions League.
Liverpool produced a laboured performance before skipper Steven Gerrard came on in the closing minutes to grab his seventh goal of the campaign, with Djibril Cisse adding another to clinch a 2-0 victory over Kaunas - and a 5-1 success on aggregate.
When asked about Crouch, Benitez said: "I do not really know how bad the injury is until the doctors have had a look at him today, but hopefully it is not a major worry. We will have to see about next week's match in the final qualifying round."
Liverpool will not know their opponents next week until CSKA Sofia and Tirana play out their second leg on Thursday night, but the Bulgarians are 2-0 ahead and should go through to a meeting with the holders.
Follow Up:
Liverpool have been dealt a blow with the news that new signing Peter Crouch will be ruled out of action for two to three weeks with a hamstring strain.
The England international striker had a scan at Melwood on Wednesday which revealed a hamstring strain in his right leg.
Crouch picked up the injury during the 2-0 victory over FBK Kaunas on Tuesday night.
Crouch is definitely out of next week's Champions League third qualifying round match. The striker is also suspended for Liverpool's opening two Premiership games against Middlesbrough and Sunderland following on from a red card he received playing for Southampton last season.
