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INJURED
GERRARD IN RACE TO FACE LIEGE |
05 AUG 2008 |
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Source:
liverpoolfc.tv
Steven Gerrard faces a race against time to be ready for next
week’s Champions League qualifier against Standard Liege after
limping out of the 4-1 friendly win over Valerenga with a
thigh strain.
Boss Rafa Benitez is hopeful his skipper will be fit for the
trip to Belgium next midweek, though an early diagnosis of
seven days on the sidelines means it will be a close call.
"It is a thigh strain. We need to wait but it could be one
week," the Spaniard told Liverpoolfc.tv.
Despite the worry over his captain, Benitez revealed his
starting XI in next week's third qualifying round is likely to
be similar to that which took to the pitch in Norway on
Tuesday night.
"It is close to the team for next week," he said. "We have
some players at the Olympic Games, so we used some young
players and they showed quality. But maybe we will see the
majority of the players we used in the first half."
The 4-1 victory over Valerenga, a side 16 games into their
domestic season, was secured thanks to goals from Fernando
Torres, Xabi Alonso, David Ngog and Yossi Benayoun.
The Reds have now plundered eight goals in their past two
friendlies – though Benitez is confident there is even more to
come.
He explained: "Yes, it was another good work-out. It was a
good game, with four goals for us and good play.
"But the players aren't 100 per cent yet – that would be
difficult right now. The other team were fitter than us but
you could see we were passing, pressing and the understanding
between the players was better. I am really pleased with the
result.
"Normally when you have quality, when you are playing well and
creating chances, you will score goals."
On Ngog, who now has two goals in three appearances since
signing from Paris Saint Germain, the Anfield boss added:
"Like I have said before, we are really pleased with our scout
department. They are finding players like Ngog, players with
quality who are not a high price. There's also Dani Pacheco,
Krisztian Nemeth and Nabil El Zhar, who has been injured."
Torres and co now head back to Merseyside ahead of their final
pre-season friendly against Lazio on Friday – and Benitez
claims they will do so carrying fond memories of their
Scandinavian jaunt.
"It was amazing and it was a surprise for us to see so many
people in a red shirt. The support for the team here is really
good," he said.
If you've got an e-Season Ticket simply click on the links
below to enjoy the best moments from our latest pre-season
success. |
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