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Gerrard to miss Spurs game

Comment: 0 September 16th, 2011 by: admin

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard will be unlikely to return to the pitch for the squad’s match against hosts Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

Sidelined for six months due to a persistent groin injury, the 31-year old had returned to full training with the rest of the squad a week ago.  But according to club manager Kenny Dalglish, sending Gerrard back out onto the field would require careful planning and timing with regard to his physical condition.

‘We will pick and choose when it is best suited for Steven, whichever games [suit] him best,’ said Dalglish.  ‘We will analyse his recovery and how the progress is.’

According to Dalglish, Gerrard’s return might just happen instead at the third round of the Carling Cup competition against Brighton & Hove Albion, set for Wednesday.

‘We will just see what is right for Steven,’ Dalglish explained.  ‘There is no rush from us or from him because it has to be common sense.  Everyone who is asked to play will be fit enough to play.’

The Reds captain has been in and out of commission since a persistent groin injury.  His last appearance on the field for Liverpool was early last March.  The injury, however, restricted Gerrard to the stands.

‘My groin is as strong as it’s ever been and the stats are there to prove it,’ the captain announced.

‘Now it’s just a case of getting match fit and then hopefully my form will come back straight away,’ he had said.  ‘I’m excited about getting back out there.  I know I’m going to come back fitter, stronger and hungrier than ever.’

Gerrard’s absence left a hole in Dalglish’s midfield, which the Scot filled out new signings including Charlie Adam and Jordan Henderson.  The two are expected to join Gerrard on the field upon the skipper’s return.

Another one waiting for Gerrard’s return is England manager Fabio Capello, who had expressed distress over the midfielder’s absence.

‘I think…Steven Gerrard is a very important player for us and also for Liverpool,’ he had said a month back.  ‘I hope he will return because he’s one of the players that makes the difference on the pitch.’

At the moment, the England manager is hoping to get Gerrard back on the field in time to face Montenegro next month for the Euro 2012 qualifier.

 

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