Spearing latest blow for Liverpool

Liverpool’s injury woes have deepened with dynamic young midfielder Jay Spearing suffering a broken ankle in training.

Spearing, one of Reds boss Roy Hodgson’s brightest youth prospects, is facing a six-week lay-off after turning his ankle late in Friday’s training session.

The news is a further headache for Hodgson, who already has to contend with the month-long absence of captain Steven Gerrard who injured his hamstring while on national duty.

But the blow is even bitterer for Spearing, who was being considered to replace Gerrard for West Ham United’s visit to Anfield in Saturday’s late game.

“Unfortunately right at the end of the training session, which was five-a-side and not at all a competitive game, he turned his ankle and cracked a small bone just above the ankle in his fibia,” Hodgson said.

“It is a terrible blow for Jay and us. He has been doing ever so well and getting closer and closer to a place in the first team. I was considering using him in this game, possibly even starting him.”

Meanwhile, Hodgson continued to put on a brave face after Gerrard went down in the 85th minute of England’s 2-1 loss to France on Wednesday, despite Three Lions boss Fabio Capello agreeing not to use the Reds captain for more than 60 minutes.

“When you lose a player of Steven’s undoubted ability, anything you are going to say other than it will be a huge blow would be a waste of breath,” Hodgson said.

“I hope that we will survive it. I hope that we will play without him and I hope that other players will step up to the plate and do even more than they have been able to do so far.”

“But there is no doubt we are going to miss him in the games to come. I don’t want to prolong the debate but I am disappointed, a little bit frustrated and angry about the situation.”

“My interest in Steven Gerrard is what he does for Liverpool Football Club. I respect and accept he is a top class international player. He is needed for England as well.”

“But I can’t think altruistically in this situation. We shall miss him. We would have had a much better chance of beating West Ham with him.”

“That doesn’t mean to say I don’t believe the players who I am going to play instead are not good enough. But the task is made harder by his absence.”

“We are not the only team in this position. I am not whining or crying about it. I accept that life goes on but will life be as good without him? I can only say no – it won’t.”