The Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez is worried about Steven Gerrard’s recovery from his groin injury, and he has no chance of playing in the game at Fulham today, but Benitez thinks that this weeks treatment for his captain is “crucial” to the rest of Liverpool’s season.

“I think he is improving but we will have to see in the next week – that will be crucial in terms of a decision,” said Benitez.

“He is working with the physios and I’ve been talking with him; he is progressing but it is slow, so we will see what we’ll do if it does not progress as quickly as we think.

“I do not think it is because of his age.

“He has had these problems and sometimes you have to give the player time.

“But when a player plays lots of games with his club and the national team, it is not easy to give him a rest; maybe we will have to manage in a different way in the future.

“We will always have the same problem though – he wants to play every game; that’s positive as the mentality is really good. He will be ok but we have to find a solution.”

Benitez was then asked if he thought Gerrard may yet be available for the must-win game at Lyon next week.

“I don’t know what will happen,” said Benitez. “He is working with the physios and we will see if he can progress.

“It all depends on the medical staff. They will give us advice on how to progress. In two or three days we will see if he is doing well. If does well, maybe he can be available.”