( This article was written before the Liverpool-Man City game in February 2009)
Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard will miss his side’s Premier League game against Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday, manager Rafa Benitez confirmed on the club’s official site ( Liverpoolfc.tv)
With a crucial Champions League game against Real Madrid coming up, Benitez said that he was not willing to risk Gerrard against Mark Hughes’ City. Benitez added that he wasn’t sure whether Gerrard would recover in time for the first leg against Madrid.
Gerrard suffered a hamstring injury in Liverpool’s fourth round FA Cup replay clash against Everton. The Toffees won that game 1-0, with teenager Dan Gosling scoring the winning goal.
The news is another blow for Liverpool, who are already without the services of the suspended Xabi Alonso.
The last time these two sides met, Liverpool won a thrilling game 3-2. City’s form on the road hasn’t been too great, but they’ll fancy their chances against a Liverpool side without Gerrard and Alonso.