Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has revealed that captain Steven Gerrard is a doubt for his side's Champions League semi-final first-leg tie with Chelsea on Tuesday.
The 27-year-old missed the Reds 2-0 Barclays Premier League win over Fulham with a neck injury and Benitez is unsure if he will be fit to face the Blues at Anfield.
Benitez said: "I was talking with the physios today (Saturday) and he [Gerrard] is improving but it is still too soon [to say if he will be fit for Chelsea]."
He added: "You always have to be careful with the neck - he has been scoring a lot of goals with his head."
But the Spaniard did have some positive news on defender Sami Hyypia who should be fit to play despite being withdrawn at half-time after a clash of heads which left him feeling dizzy.
"I think he'll [Hyypia] be okay - he felt a little bit dizzy after a knock to the head but I think it's okay now. Mascherano had three knocks but I think he too is okay."
Meanwhile, Chelsea boss Avram Grant has admitted he would 愛 to take Gerrard to Stamford Bridge after revealing his admiration for the midfielder.
Grant said: "Gerrard is a great player and a great person. For me, he is the player of the 年 in England, and maybe in Europe, because of the influence he has on the team.
"I like him very much as a player and I know him. He is a nice guy and an example to others. He plays against me but he is still my favourite player."
Chelsea have previously tried to sign Gerrard and Grant added: "If あなた can bring him to me, I will be happy."
The 27-year-old missed the Reds 2-0 Barclays Premier League win over Fulham with a neck injury and Benitez is unsure if he will be fit to face the Blues at Anfield.
Benitez said: "I was talking with the physios today (Saturday) and he [Gerrard] is improving but it is still too soon [to say if he will be fit for Chelsea]."
He added: "You always have to be careful with the neck - he has been scoring a lot of goals with his head."
But the Spaniard did have some positive news on defender Sami Hyypia who should be fit to play despite being withdrawn at half-time after a clash of heads which left him feeling dizzy.
"I think he'll [Hyypia] be okay - he felt a little bit dizzy after a knock to the head but I think it's okay now. Mascherano had three knocks but I think he too is okay."
Meanwhile, Chelsea boss Avram Grant has admitted he would 愛 to take Gerrard to Stamford Bridge after revealing his admiration for the midfielder.
Grant said: "Gerrard is a great player and a great person. For me, he is the player of the 年 in England, and maybe in Europe, because of the influence he has on the team.
"I like him very much as a player and I know him. He is a nice guy and an example to others. He plays against me but he is still my favourite player."
Chelsea have previously tried to sign Gerrard and Grant added: "If あなた can bring him to me, I will be happy."
