Pool skipper played after dental surgery

LIVERPOOL skipper Steven Gerrard was at the centre of a hospital drama hours before the Champions League semi-final against Chelsea.

The midfielder had to have surgery to remove a painful mouth abscess after he suffered a sleepless night and dental surgeons treated him in time for him to play a key role in Wednesday night’s match.

It is understood Gerrard, 24, had been suffering increasing pain for a few days beforehand.

He was in agony at 2am on Wednesday, and after discussions it was decided to take him to a nearby dental hospital in London first thing in the morning.

The procedure to lance the abscess is understood to have been carried out successfully after Gerrard was given a local anaesthetic.

He returned to join up with his team mates before leading them out in the Reds impressive 0-0 draw at Stamford Bridge.

Geoff Brown, dental adviser for Merseyside primary care trusts, said: “It would have been very painful.

“The purpose of the surgery will be to ease the pain but he would have felt very groggy after the anaesthetic.

“The antibiotics would also have taken their toll.”

Richard Pedder of the Liverpool Supporters Club, said it was typical of Gerrard to play through the pain barrier. He said: “It shows what a team player he is.”