Stevie relief
Oct 10 2005
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo
STEVEN GERRARD is hopeful he will only miss the next two Liverpool games after suffering a shin injury on international duty.
The Liverpool skipper returned to Melwood for treatment yesterday and the diagnosis suggests the muscle strain isn't as bad as first feared.
An absence of up to three weeks was initially reported, but Gerrard says the Premiership game against Fulham on October 22 is a realistic target.
"The injury is not as bad as people are saying," said Gerrard.
"I've heard they're saying on television I'll be out for three weeks, but I think I'll be okay for the Fulahm game. I had a scan straight after the match and went to Melwood for treatment yesterday.
The medical staff are confident I'll be back after the next two games, so that's what I'm aiming for.
"I picked up the knock during the game and it was a bit of a worry at first, but it's not that serious."
Gerrard was hurt during the first half of England's 1-0 win over Austria, but was urged to play through the pain barrier as Sven Goran Eriksson's side struggled on with 10 men following the dismissal of David Beckham.
Now Liverpool are paying the price, with Gerrard certain to miss next weekend's visit by Blackburn, as well as the trip to Anderlecht in the Champions League.
The loss of Gerrard is a huge blow to Rafa Benitez, but with Momo Sissoko fit again, the Liverpool boss has options to fill the void for the next two fixtures, at least.
Jamie Carragher and Peter Crouch came through Saturday's match unscathed.
Carragher is set to continue at left back against Poland in midweek, but it may come as some relief to Benitez that Crouch will make way for Wayne Rooney.
Crouch has endured some shocking treatment, despite an acceptable performance for his country at the weekend.
Benitez will be happy if he can get his striker back fit and well for next weekend.
