Gerrard injury latest

The Liverpool skipper picked up a thigh strain in the 4-1 win over Valerenga on Tuesday.

The injury may well force Benitez to play Xabi Alonso in the Champions League qualifier, with Javier Mascherano and Lucas Leiva at the Olympics.

This would cup-tie the Spanish midfielder and reduce his value dramatically, thus having an impact on whether or not Benitez will have the funds to sign Gareth Barry from Aston Villa.