Injury crisis makes Gerrard central figure

RAFAEL Benitez knows he can no longer be taken to task over his deployment of Steven Gerrard because his captain is Liverpool’s only fit central midfielder.

As he juggles with the Reds’ worsening injury crisis before tonight’s Premiership match against Portsmouth, Benitez consoled himself with that small crumb of comfort.

“He’s the only fit central midfielder I have got left so that is where he plays,” said Benitez. “That is the end of the talk about his role, I hope, because I have no other choice.”