EURO NEWS: GERRARD OUT - RAFA UNFAZED

Gerrard - watching at home

Tomorrow's clash with Bordeaux will not feature Steven Gerrard after the player suffered a minor injury.

Gerrard damaged his hamstring in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Blackburn Rovers.

Momo could play, but Kuyt will not be ready, and Fowler hasn't even gone to France as he is still suffering from a back injury.

Rafa had this to say as he was about to leave for France earlier today.

"We know that if we can win in Europe it will give us more confidence in our domestic matches," said Benitez.

"It will also take us that bit nearer to qualification for the next stage. If we win, we'll be in a good position."

On Steven Gerrard's injury he said,

"He can change games so it is difficult when we lose him, but we do have a squad I believe that is capable of handling the situation," said the Liverpool manager.

"I have said that maybe I want better performances from some of the senior players but that is not a criticism because we know why things have not gone as well this season.

"The amount of time out players have been away with their countries, even after a tiring World Cup, has not made things easy. We are not the only club experiencing this.

"Players cannot be 100% fit and in their best form at the moment. They will all need time to recharge their batteries.

"We are now training all together at last after the international breaks have finally finished. That is the key, now we should see improvement."

Discuss this news story in the LFC Forum