LIVERPOOL are enraged with the Football Association’s treatment of Steven Gerrard as they fear the Reds skipper could be set for a three-week lay-off.

Gerrard damaged his hamstring in the closing stages of England’s 2-1 defeat by France at Wembley last night, provoking a furious response from the club.

Darren Burgess, Liverpool’s head of fitness and conditioning, vented his anger on Twitter saying: “Unbelievable from all associated with England and the English FA with regard to Steven Gerrard’s injury.

“Completely ignored agreement and past history.”

Burgess’ tweet was later removed but it is understood his anger about what has happened is widespread through the club.

Liverpool have carefully looked after Gerrard since he returned from the World Cup and have taken the precaution of hardly using him in Europe or the Carling Cup to ensure he is fully fit for Premier League action.

But there was collective disbelief last night after Fabio Capello kept Gerrard on the pitch for a meaningless friendly, even though Liverpool had asked the Italian to not play him for more than 60 minutes – they had hoped he would only be for the first half.

Capello said: “We spoke with Steve and he said he would play one hour, but after Gareth Barry’s injury we had some problems.

“That was the reason he stayed on the pitch. If it’s possible, the players will play the time we agreed with the club.

“But Barry was really injured so we needed someone senior on the pitch because it was a really young team. He said he was good. We’re upset about what happened to Steve, of course.”

Gerrard, who has played in all of England’s last 12 games since missing the friendly with Brazil last November, was undergoing a scan at Melwood today.

He will almost certainly miss Saturday’s clash with West Ham United but, in all likelihood, he will miss the trip to Tottenham on November 28 and could even be doubtful for Aston Villa’s visit to Anfield on Monday December 6.

It is a devastating blow for boss Roy Hodgson, who could already be without Dirk Kuyt, Martin Skrtel and Joe Cole on Saturday. Also missing will be Lucas, who is serving a one-match ban following his red card at Stoke last weekend.

Fernando Torres, though, could be involved afterplaying the second half of Spain’s 4-0 defeat to Portugal in Lisbon.

The striker had strained his ankle ligament at the Britannia Stadium but the problem was not serious and he will be assessed at Melwood today.

Meanwhile, Liverpool are considering a move for Swedish international left-back Oscar Wendt. Hodgson has had the 25-year-old Wendt watched extensively and could sign him for a reasonable price in January as his contract is up in the summer.

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