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PREMIER LEAGUE: POOL’S GERRARD BREAKS TOE BUT WILL FACE CHELSEA August 16, 2007
(SomaliNet) Despite a scan revealing a hairline fracture on his big toe, Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard will face Chelsea in their highly-anticipated Premier League clash on Sunday.
In their Champions League qualifying match on Wednesday, Gerrard underwent the scan after limping off against Toulouse. However, he will sit out England's friendly with Germany on Wednesday.
"I think he will be available for the weekend, but if we push him for that he will have to rest afterwards," 'Pool boss Rafael Benitez said.
"It's not serious but we have to be careful. It's not a big risk but we can push him and then he needs rest. He will need an injection, but then he can play without pain against Chelsea.
"I now have to talk to [England coach] Steve McClaren - but he has to understand [playing against Germany] will be a big risk for his future."
The midfielder was replaced by Momo Sissoko on 61 minutes following a heavy challenge from Achille Emana in Liverpool's 1-0 victory.
Benitez had said that he did not take the player off the field because of the knock, but rather because he looked tired.
"I was replacing him because we needed fresh legs, not because of the injury," he insisted.
The Scouser, who will have been desperate to play against the side who have repeatedly tried to buy him, scored one of the goals of his career against the Germans in an unforgettable 5-1 thrashing in 2001.-Reuters