FOOTBALL
BENITEZ PONDERS GERRARD GAMBLE
GERRARD: Big decision
By Paul Joyce
RAFA BENITEZ is facing a stark choice on whether to gamble with Steven Gerrard’s fitness as Liverpool prepare for an increasingly pivotal showdown with Real Madrid.
Gerrard will board the flight to Spain today, but his recovery from a hamstring problem is continuing to compound his manager’s worries ahead of the Champions League clash.
The Anfield skipper tested the injury that has sidelined him for three weeks in a specially devised training session yesterday, although his participation from the start at the Bernabeu is by no means guaranteed.
“Steven will be in the squad. He was OK in training,” said Benitez, who is already without Daniel Agger due to a back problem.
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“It was a special training session so we were not testing him 100 per cent, but he trained OK.”
While a revitalised Real side claimed a ninth successive La Liga victory under former Tottenham boss Juande Ramos at the weekend, Liverpool suffered a damaging Premier League home 1-1 draw with Manchester City.
It means Europe once again offers the Reds their best hope of silverware.
Striker Dirk Kuyt scored the equaliser against Mark Hughes’ side and attempted to put a brave face on Liverpool’s stuttering recent form.
He said: “We were disappointed but we have another really big game on Wednesday so we have to keep focused on that. All we can do is keep going, try to get a good result in Madrid and then try to win our remaining games in the league.”
In contrast, Real are buoyant, and Dutch winger Arjen Robben is hell-bent on revenge for the heartache Liverpool have inflicted on him.
Robben twice went out at the semi-final stage with Chelsea at Anfield, and he said: “I have lost twice to them, and it’s great to have another chance.”
