Gerrard ruled out of crucial Arsenal clash?

[SystemBlueBob 0]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/...enal-clash.html

Gerrard aggravated his thigh injury before Tuesday's Champions League clash at Chelsea. He had strained his adductor in the first leg against Guus Hiddink's side and was rested by manager Rafael Benitez for the 4-0 win over Blackburn last Saturday.

But he was not even fit enough to make the bench at Stamford Bridge after Liverpool's medical team discovered he had suffered a reaction to the problem during training.

A scan on the injury has since confirmed the strain has not healed completely, ruling Gerrard out for "seven to 10 days," meaning he is unlikely to line up against Arsenal at Anfield on Tuesday night and faces a race against time to be fit for the game with Hull next Saturday.

The news will come as a major blow to Benitez as he prepares his side for arguably the most difficult of their six remaining games. The Spaniard had intimated before the visit to west London that he would be prepared to risk Gerrard because Liverpool do not play this weekend, but that time for rest and recuperation has since been wiped out.

Liverpool lie just a point behind Manchester United but, having played a game more, Benitez has admitted they must "be almost perfect" if they are to overhaul Sir Alex Ferguson's side at the top of the table.

Being able to name Gerrard alongside Fernando Torres throughout the run in was key to Liverpool's charge.

The pair have both suffered injury troubles this season, Gerrard struggling with a hamstring problem and Torres missing much of the early part of the season as the fatigue of helping Spain win last summer's European Championships took its toll.

[BlueLion. 21,491]

Fancy the Gooners to go to Anfield and get a draw.