Source: Daily_Mail
Liverpool and England face anxious wait over Steven Gerrard injury
Liverpool and Fabio Capello are nervously waiting to discover if Steven Gerrard requires surgery to cure the groin problem that could force him to miss England's Euro 2012 qualifying showdown with Wales.[LNB] Gerrard was absent from Liverpool's 24-man squad that flew to Portugal for the first leg of their Europa League last 16 clash with Braga, amid fears he is set for another spell on the sidelines.[LNB] Painful: Steven Gerrard may require surgery on his groin problem[LNB] Kenny Dalglish revealed that the results of tests will be published tomorrow, but Liverpool are hopeful rest will prove an effective remedy and there remains a chance Gerrard will be available for the return leg at Anfield next Thursday.[LNB] But if an operation is needed, the midfielder will miss the Wales clash at the Millennium Stadium on March 26, as well as a Wembley friendly against Ghana three days later.[LNB] Ready for action: Liverpool's players train in Braga ahead of their Europa tie[LNB] [LNB]'Steven has got a problem with his groin, he's not travelled, we'll havea look at it,' said Dalglish. 'We will know tomorrow what we will have to do.[LNB]'But it's a big enough problem that we have got to find a solution. We'll soon know better where we stand.'[LNB]Gerrard has only played twice in the Barclays Premier League since sustaining the problem in Liverpool's 1-0 win over Chelsea on February 6, and his absence leaves a gaping hole. [LNB]'We are obviously a better side with Steven in it,' said Dalglish. 'But that's not to say that someone else can't come in and do themselves and the club a turn by putting in a big performance.'[LNB] That could be Andy Carroll, who will look to build on his 16-minute cameo in Sunday's 3-1 win over Manchester United last Sunday if he makes his European debut for his new club tonight. Dalglish said: 'He has been fantastic and responded to the medical advice he has been given. We are as desperate to get him on the pitch as he is but we will be responsible.'[LNB] Braga have lost seven of the 10 matches they have played against English sides in Europe but did record a 2-0 win over Arsenal in the Champions League last October. They warmed up for this contest by beating Benfica 2-1 on Sunday.[LNB] For Liverpool to progress in the competition, Dalglish recognises they must improve up front, having scored just one goal in their last four European trips. He said: 'Like every other manager, I would love us to score a lot more but I do not think we are lacking in firepower.'[LNB] Carroll may have swapped Tyneside for Merseyside, but the striker proved his loyalties remain with the North East by helping raise over ?4,000 for charities there, a day after providing ?500 kit sponsorship for a ladies' football side in Gateshead. [LNB] Focus: Kenny Dalglish speaks to Raul Meireles at their press conference[LNB] Charity begins at home: Carroll saves a ladies' team and gives fan ?900 giftInjured Gerrard rested for Braga trip but ?35m Carroll is set for Euro bowCarroll set for Euro bow as Dalglish steps up striker's search for fitness [LNB] [LNB] Explore more:People: Fabio Capello, Andy Carroll, Kenny Dalglish, Steven Gerrard Places: Liverpool, Portugal, United Kingdom, Wales, Ghana, Europe
