Gerrard out of Man United clash
Steven Gerrard missed two key England games
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Monday, 08, Sep 2008 09:55
Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard will not be fit to face Premier League champions Manchester United on Saturday.
The 28-year-old had a double groin operation after Liverpool's Champions League qualifier against Standard Liege. He was ruled out for England's World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Croatia, but was optimistic of being fit for the United clash.
Gerrard is now hoping to be ready to face Marseille in the opening game of the Champions League group stage on September 16.
"The United game is too soon," admitted Gerrard. "I've a decent chance for the Champions League game in Marseille but I've spoken to the manager and told him I'd like to do a certain amount of training before I come back. I don't want to go into a big game having had one session with the boys."
Gerrard and Liverpool have been criticised by some for the timing of the operations, which meant he missed two vital World Cup qualifiers for England. But the midfielder insisted the operation had to be done urgently as he was in so much pain.
"The discomfort was getting to the stage where I couldn't continue," said Gerrard. "I'd had to double, then treble, my dose of painkillers to train and play, and I was having to take them during games.
"I couldn't sprint flat out, couldn't pass more than 30 yards and couldn't shoot properly and, as much as you want to be out there for every game, it is important to be right.
"There are times when you have got to forget about England and Liverpool and get yourself right," added Gerrard.