Liverpool are set to prolong Steven Gerrard’s recuperation when Derby come to Anfield at the weekend. Gerrard is currently nursing a broken toe and has sat out of Liverpool’s last two matches. Rafa has commented that the Doctors may administer painkilling injections but his comments today indicate that he is unlikely to be risked. Jamie Carragher is also ruled out with his rib injury having only left hospital on Tuesday. Andriy Voronin will be available however, having missed this week’s Champions League tie with a knock.
Sissoko is likely to continue in midified in Gerrards absence while Carragher’s place will be filled by Hypia. Kuyt and Torres seem set to form the strike pairing, despite Voronins return – although you just never know with Rafa.