Get over Gerrard absence, Benitez demands

RAFAEL BENITEZ has challenged his wilting Liverpool outfit to prove they can win without Steven Gerrard.

Manager Benitez has lost his leader, inspiration and top scorer for the Barclays Premiership clash at Charlton tonight, with Gerrard missing the match with a knee injury that after needing a scan this week, could also rule him out of the trip to Wigan on Saturday.

It is the worst possible time for Liverpool to lose the one player who drives them forward. Defeats at Manchester United and Chelsea have finally ended any fleeting hope of the title and put into context what Benitez now accepts is a chase "to reach the Champions League."