Gerrard may be England doubt

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez admits Steven Gerrard is not certain to play in England's crucial September Euro 2008 clashes with Israel and Russia.

Gerrard will miss Liverpool's Champions League qualifier against Toulouse on Tuesday after breaking his toe.

And Benitez is not sure he will be fit to face Derby at Anfield on Saturday.

He said: "We will have to see about England. It is too soon yet, it will depend on what England's medical people and our own medical staff feel."

England coach Steve McClaren is almost certain to name Gerrard in his squad for the games at Wembley on 8 September and 12 September - but Liverpool will not want their captain risking long-term injury if he is not 100%

Benitez added: "I would hope Steven will be a possibility to play against Derby, but I am not sure, it is up to the doctors."

Gerrard, who sustained the problem in the first leg in Toulouse, played against Chelsea after a pain-killing injection but was not risked at Sunderland on Saturday.

Benitez said: "I hope Steven will be okay for the weekend but the Champions League game will be a risk. It is better to keep him training here.

"The doctor needs to decide after talking to the player when he can be risked.

"I do not want to lose Steve for a long time when you have enough players now for every game.

"If you push him too much it will be a risk, I want to keep him training and fit but ready. Maybe when he is not always 100% we can leave him out, that is what we will do."

Source: BBC Sport