Source: Daily_Mail
Steven Gerrard unlikely to face Sparta Prague as Liverpool skipper rests adductor muscle
Liverpool are unlikely to risk Steven Gerrard on Thursday night as they attempt to reach the Europa League's last 16.The England midfielder, 30, has been absent since injuring his adductor muscle in the 1-0 win over Chelsea on February 6.He is making good progress but manager Kenny Dalglish will not take an unnecessary gamble with Gerrard's fitness, even though their tie with Sparta Prague is delicately poised after last week's 0-0 draw. Making progress: Gerrard at Liverpool's Melwood training ground on Wednesday Dalglish said: 'Steven is almost there but we've got to take a long-term view.''We're not going to push somebody into a game that's not quite ready. Resting up: Steven Gerrard hasn't featured since February 6'As much as Steven would love to play and we'd love to have him, I think we've got to think a bit longer term than just one game.'But if he's fit and well, he'll come under consideration like everybody else. Return: Defender Daniel Agger is also in contention to return from an injury absenceLiverpool will at least have Danish defender Daniel Agger back in contention after he missed the draws with Wigan and Sparta with a groin problem.Liverpool should have little problem dealing with Sparta but Agger warned about the dangers of complacency, saying: 'We've got a good chance but it won't be easy. It's never easy in the knockout stages.' Dalglish promises to be patient with Cole after Liverpool midfielder returnsLiverpool skipper Gerrard set to miss Europa League clash through injuryThe Matt Lawton interview: Gerrard on how he's striving to make a differenceAll the latest Liverpool news, features and opinion Explore more:People: Kenny Dalglish, Steven Gerrard, Daniel Agger Places: Liverpool, Prague, United Kingdom