Gerrard, 27, is suffering from a hairline fracture of the toe has not played in Liverpool's last three games. But McClaren expects him to be available for the Wembley games against Israel on 8 September and Russia four days later. "I spoke to Stevie and I am liaising with Liverpool," he added. "We're not going to take any risks but he wants to play and we want him to play.
"We'll assess it in the week but I am fully expecting he'll be available for the two games." A scan revealed that Lampard had a tear in his left thigh, while McClaren's plans had already been hit by injuries to David Beckham and Kieron Dyer. The likely absence of Lampard, who partnered Michael Carrick in the friendly against Germany last month, has seen him have to change his midfield plans once again. He said: "It's a big blow to lose your best players. Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard and now David Beckham. It's a big loss to us but other players have an opportunity now. "I started last week and had a certain team in mind. We had another way of playing but losing Frank Lampard changes the emphasis on that." Beckham will be sidelined for six weeks with a knee ligament injury but McClaren said he still has a part to play in helping their stuttering Euro 2008 campaign.
He said: "On a personal level David has to get fit and playing again. We've still got important games ahead so he can help us before the last game. "He has to be fit, playing and performing to a level where he can play for England." McClaren hinted that he could partner Chelsea winger Joe Cole with Michael Owen up front for the Israel game, with Rooney injured and Peter Crouch suspended. "One of the things we're looking at is what partnership and system will get best out of Michael Owen," he said about the Newcastle forward, who scored their winner against Wigan on Saturday. "We're looking at different options but unfortunately we are missing Crouch for this game."
Source: BBC Sport
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