Gerrard’s long-term fitness huge concern for Benitez

CONCERN for Steven Gerrard’s long-term fitness is growing at Anfield.

The midfielder is already out of today’s Barclays Premier League trip to Fulham having aggravated a groin injury on England duty and has little chance of being involved in the vital Champions League game at Lyon next Wednesday.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is well aware that a poor result at Craven Cottage, followed by an almost certain exit from Europe if they lose in Lyon, will see him back in the firing line.