Liverpool's Gerrard doubtful for Arsenal clash

Liverpool are sweating on the fitness of skipper Steven Gerrard ahead of Saturday' lunch time clash against Arsenal.

Gerrard picked up a minor hamstring injury in England's international friendly against Holland on Wednesday.

With the influential Daniel Agger definitely sidelined with cracked ribs, League Cup winners Liverpool could go from heroes to zeros in their backyard.

Kop manager Kenny Dalglish is acutely aware their Carling Cup success will count for nothing if they fail to secure a Champions League place.

The stakes are getting higher for King Kenny with owner John W Henry now hungry for success.

“Every time the players get somewhere, something else is put in front of them as to what would make a successful season,” said Dalglish.

“If we stopped right now, it has been a better season than it was last season.

“Our season has not stopped because we won the Carling Cup and I’m sure the determination and ambition of the players to push forward hasn’t changed either.

“We don’t know where we are going to end up in the middle of May, but we know what we have to do to move on.

“Last week was a fantastic achievement by everyone, the old ones and the new ones.”

Arsenal hold a seven-point advantage – although Liverpool have a game in hand – and will look to also show they are both revived and reinvigorated by their remarkable 5-2 win over Tottenham last week.

Dalglish played down the expectations on a squad that has taken time to gel on the pitch despite new signings last summer.

“We can control our own destiny,” said Dalglish.

“We know what we have done and we know what we had to do to get there. We just need to continue that. That’s all we’ve got to do.

“We’ll see at the end whether our points total is good or bad and enough to get in the Champions League.

“We’ve still got the FA Cup to play for at home to Stoke and the Carling Cup is in the trophy room. There cannot be too many upset by that.

“Every game is really important, but at this stage if something goes against you, you have a shorter time to pick up.”

Dalglish believes the win over Cardiff at Wembley has bolstered the team spirit at Anfield.

“It remains to be seen if it’s a platform (for greater things). The most important thing is they won the tournament and they really enjoyed it,” he added. “You could see the excitement and the togetherness when they celebrated the win.

“Even the boys who were unfortunate enough not to be picked were involved. There were suits flying across the grass and everything. They were diving everywhere.

“They were celebrating together and that is really important for us. I’m sure they are enjoying it, and we start work again now.”

Dalglish believes the criticism of his counterpart Arsene Wenger has been excessive.

“I am sure the people who questioned them or had doubts about their character won’t be placated after one game,” said Dalglish.

“But then he should never have been castigated over one game either. Arsene Wenger under pressure? Look at what he has done for his football club.”
 

Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.