Steven Gerrard was left out of the entire squad for Liverpool’s 2-0 win at Fulham, with many people puzzled that the Reds captain wasn’t included (a la Torres) on the substitutes bench. However, the BBC report that a neck injury was to blame and, what’s more, the midfielder is looking doubtful for Tuesday night’s Champions League game against Chelsea.
Benitez is unsure if he will be fit in time to face the Blues at Anfield.
“We don’t know at the moment,” he said. “Steven is working with the physios.
“He is improving but it is still too soon. You always have to be careful with the neck.”
This would represent a huge blow to Liverpool’s chances of qualifying at the expense of the Blues. They may have triumphed against them at this stage twice in the past three seasons, but Gerrard has played a crucial role on both occasions. The Reds will certainly be looking to establish some kind of advantage during the first leg at Anfield and it’s a tall order without their skipper.