Gerrard to miss Lyon but Torres travels

STEVEN GERRARD has been ruled out of Liverpool’s Champions League trip to Lyon, but striker Fernando Torres will be on the plane that heads for France today.

Although Gerrard has now played just 25 minutes of five matches since he sustained a groin injury while on England duty, boss Rafael Benitez has delayed any decision on whether his captain needs an operation.

Club sources suggest that Benitez is happy that Gerrard’s treatment is progressing well and that the player’s injury problem is improving.