STEVEN GERRARD will turn to a specialist in the hope of solving the groin injury which rules him out of tonight’s match with SC Braga.
Manager Kenny Dalglish admits he does not know long Liverpool will be without their captain after Gerrard did not travel with the Reds for tonight’s Europa League last 16 tie.
The Reds skipper remains at Melwood to receive treatment and expert opinion on the strain with the boss unable to put a timescale on any return.
However, Dalglish hopes the picture will become much clearer when he returns to their training base on Friday.
Keen to turn attentions back to this evening’s match with Braga, Dalglish insists in Gerrard’s absence other members of Liverpool’s squad can flourish on the European stage and give the Reds a positive result to take into the second leg next week.
Striker Andy Carroll, however, is likely to be only used from the bench once more despite strong rumours suggesting he would be handed a first start for the club.
As Liverpool’s record signing continues his recovery from a thigh strain, David Ngog is expected to lead the line at the Estadio Municipal de Braga tonight with Joe Cole in support with Liverpool looking to extend a 12 game unbeaten run in European competition this season.
“He’s got a problem with his groin, he’s not travelled, we’ll have a look at it, and should know on Friday what we will have to do. But it’s nothing new, it’s the same problem,” Dalglish said of Gerrard.
“We are obviously a better side with Steven in it, 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. For us and Steven it’s a big enough problem we have got to find a solution to. We’ll know better on Friday, where we stand exactly, but it’s nothing too serious. “
