Liverpool Football Club News

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Gerrard won't travel to Lyon

02 Nov 2009 - 15:36:26

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Steven Gerrard will not feature in Liverpool's Champions League clash with Lyon on Wednesday, according to boss Rafa Benitez, but summer signing Alberto Aquilani could play.

Aquiliani is recovering well from the virus which kept him out of Saturday's 3-1 defeat to Fulham having made his debut for the club when he came on as a substitute in the second half of last week's Carling Cup defeat to Arsenal.

However, Benitez will definitely be without Steven Gerrard (groin), Albert Riera (hamstring), Martin Kelly (ankle) and Martin Skrtel (muscle) for the Group E encounter.

"Aquilani had a virus. He trained today but was a little bit weak. Hopefully in two days' time he will be better," said Benitez.

"Gerrard won't travel to Lyon. He has no chance. He is improving but we have to wait. He has had an injection but we have to wait two or three days and see how he reacts.

"Skrtel has no chance. He has a small muscle problem. It's not too big but he is feeling something."

Meanwhile, Benitez will give Daniel Agger (back), Glen Johnson (calf), Fabio Aurelio (calf) and David N'Gog (ankle), who all missed the Craven Cottage defeat, every opportunity to prove their fitness to see if they can feature in Lyon.