Houllier said:"When we think it is the right time to play him in the team we will play him. At the moment I don't think he is at his best.
We have given him many chances to get back in the team and do the job he can do, but it didn't work. You give him a chance, a chance, another chance, but unfortunately they didn't work out."
Gerrard's omission could well mean another start for the impressive Salif Diao, who will most likely fill in alongside Dietmar Hamann. Vladimir Smicer may also play after his fine performance against Basle.