Rafa insistent over Gerrard

Reds skipper doubtful for England qualifiers

By Graeme Bailey   Last updated: 28th August 2007

benitez rafa gerrard steven

Benitez: Talking tough

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Rafa Benitez has thrown doubt over Steven Gerrard's participation in England's crucial Euro 2008 qualifiers next month.

Gerrard has a broken toe and has been forced to rest for the last week, missing England's friendly with Germany and Liverpool's win at Sunderland.

The Reds skipper is also sitting out the club's second leg UEFA Champions League qualifier with Toulouse on Tuesday and is a big doubt for Saturday's Premier League match with Derby.

With England due to link-up next week - Benitez says he will tell Gerrard when he is ready to play.

Insistent

"He wants to play every game. That's when my decision becomes important," Benitez insisted.

"I'd say I am optimistic but we will see. I need to talk to the doctor as well as the player to see if he really is fit or if there would be a risk.

"At the end of the day, it is a broken bone.

"Stevie can train and run but obviously he is not playing with the rest of the team or touching the ball."

England face Israel and Russia next month, two games which will go a long way to deciding their Euro 2008 fate, and coach Steve McClaren will be desperate to include Gerrard when he names his squad later this week.