Benayoun and Riera out for weeks

November 12, 2009

More problems for Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez: Yossi Benayoun and Albert Riera were diagnosed with torn hamstrings that could sideline them for a month.

Benayoun and Riera suffered their injuries during the match against Birmingham City on Monday (2-2). Riera made his return against the Blues after he had been out for three weeks with hamstring problems. The Spanish midfielder was substituted half way through the match.

The injured duo are set to miss the important matches with Manchester City and Debreceni and also the first Merseyside-derby of the season, against Everton.

Liverpool should today discover the full extent of the calf problem that forced Glen Johnson’s withdrawal from the England squad to meet Brazil in Doha this weekend.

The right-back has been hindered by calf and groin injuries in recent weeks, and Daniel Agger withdrew from Denmark’s squad for friendlies against South Korea and the United States after suffering a reaction to a persistent back problem against Birmingham.

Liverpool are hopeful, however, that the Dane’s complaint will not cause another long-term lay-off.

Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard are continuing to receive daily treatment on their on their respective hernia and adductor problems.

Paul Haring

Tags: adductor, albert riera, Birmingham, birmingham city, daniel agger, Debreceni, Doha, England, england squad, everton liverpool, Fernando Torres, friendlies, glen johnson, groin injuries, hamstrings, hernia, manchester city, Merseyside, merseyside derby, Paul Haring, rafael benitez, sideline, south korea, Steven Gerrard, United States, yossi benayoun

Benitez to make late decision on Gerrard

April 10, 2009

PARIS (AFP) – Rafael Benitez will make a late call on Steven Gerrard’s fitness after naming the captain in Liverpool’s squad for the English Premiership match against Blackburn on Saturday.

The 28-year-old England midfielder has undergone scans on a thigh strain sustained in Wednesday night’s 3-1 Champions League defeat to Chelsea, and had been doubtful for the weekend and next week’s second leg.

The club announced on their website on Friday that Gerrard will be in the squad for Saturday, but it is unclear whether he will be able to start.

Benitez told the website: “Steven has some problems with his adductor. He will be in the squad but we still have to decide whether he will start.

“It is not very serious but we need to analyse the risk for the future as well. We know it’s a very important game, so we’ll decide tomorrow.

“We have to think about the best for Stevie and the team – both things together.

“This is a very important game, so we know it will be really good if he can play. But if we were to lose him for the next few weeks it could be a big risk.

“I will talk with him and the doctor on Saturday morning before deciding.”