Hodgson stays quiet on Gerrard-England row

Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson said he is disappointed to lose Steven Gerrard to injury, but would prefer to avoid a row with England.

Gerrard will be out for three to four weeks after sustaining a hamstring injury during England’s 2-1 defeat to France on Wednesday.

England were under instruction from Anfield fitness staff to withdraw the midfielder after an hour, but an injury to Gareth Barry led Fabio Capello to leave the 30-year-old on.

He subsequently suffered a hamstring tear that will rob the Premier League club of his services for up to a month.

“As Liverpool manager I am frustrated and disappointed to lose such an important player for such a long period of time,” Hodgson said.

“Anything I say – other than I am disappointed and even a little bit angry about it – would be dishonest.”

“But I know Steven, as an important player for club and country, is keen to put a tin lid on the matter.”

“He is disappointed and sad too but he is going to do everything he can to get back to fitness as quickly as possible.”

“I don’t expect apologies from anyone and I’m not prepared to add any fuel to the fire,” he added.

Liverpool will reportedly receive 500,000 pounds in compensation from the England Football Association’s insurers to cover Gerrard’s wages while the player is unavailable.

Hodgson also played down reports of a rift with fullback Glenn Johnson, who is unhappy at being left out of the first-team.

Hodgson has been openly critical of Johnson’s form this season, prompting members of Johnson’s entourage to hit out at the manager.

But despite the public spat, Hodgson maintains the former Chelsea and Portsmouth man remains in his plans.

“As far as I am concerned Glen Johnson does have a future at the club and I think as far as he’s concerned he does too,” Hodgson said.

“Once again we are talking about a storm in a teacup, people are trying to make something out of nothing.”

“Someone in his camp has obviously taken umbrage with something I have said, which is unfortunate, but as far as I am concerned he is Liverpool’s and England’s right back and we are very happy to welcome him back into the team.”