Benitez to make late decision on Gerrard

Rafael Benitez will make a late call on Steven Gerrard’s fitness after naming the captain in Liverpool’s squad for the English Premiership match against Blackburn on Saturday.

The 28-year-old England midfielder has undergone scans on a thigh strain sustained in Wednesday night’s 3-1 Champions League defeat to Chelsea, and had been doubtful for the weekend and next week’s second leg.

The club announced on their website on Friday that Gerrard will be in the squad for Saturday, but it is unclear whether he will be able to start.

Benitez told the website: “Steven has some problems with his adductor. He will be in the squad but we still have to decide whether he will start.

“It is not very serious but we need to analyse the risk for the future as well. We know it’s a very important game, so we’ll decide tomorrow.

“We have to think about the best for Stevie and the team – both things together.

“This is a very important game, so we know it will be really good if he can play. But if we were to lose him for the next few weeks it could be a big risk.

“I will talk with him and the doctor on Saturday morning before deciding.”