Dalglish admits Gerrard blow

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has admitted he is devastated captain Steven Gerrard is out for the season.

The inspirational England midfielder had surgery on a groin problem in March and was returning to fitness but suffered a setback in training last week.

Liverpool will have to cope without the 30-year-old when they host Manchester City in the English Premier League on Monday.

Dalglish said: ?We know he will not be involved again this season.”

?We still don?t know exactly what the problem is.”

?It?s a blow for the players but we just have to get on with it.”

?With respect to our injured squad members, the most important ones are those who are fit because they are the ones who can be chosen.”

?We just have to get on with it and maybe this can test the resolve of our players. We will not be feeling sorry for ourselves because we have some players missing.”

?That is the position we are in and it is up to us to make the best of it. This football club is better than sixth place but you can only prove that on the pitch.”

?We have to prove we deserve to be higher in the Premier League.?

Despite the massive setback, Dalglish remained upbeat about the remainder of the season.

?Somebody?s misfortune can always turn into another person?s opportunity,” he said.

?Some players will be closer to the first team than they would have been otherwise.?

Monday?s opponents Manchester City are three places above Liverpool and occupying one of the Champions League qualification spots.

They have a FA Cup semi-final coming up next Saturday and Dalglish hinted they might already have one eye on that game.

He said: ?It will be a difficult test; Man City are going for a Champions League spot.”

?Next week they have a tough semi-final against Manchester United in the FA Cup and they will have half an eye on that because it is a massive game for them.”

?I am sure a Champions League spot is important for them but I think a trophy will be most important for them. If they can get that, I think they would say this season has been successful.”

?Sometimes when you see a trophy your concentration lapses a bit.?

As well as Gerrard, Liverpool will be without defenders Glenn Johnson (hamstring), Daniel Agger (knee) and midfielder Jonjo Shelvey (knee).