Gerrard Injury Tests Liverpool

By Brian Lofrumento | 5th February 2009

Gerrard Injury Tests Liverpool | read this item

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gerrard-hurt After Liverpool faced an early FA Cup exit to crosstown rivals Everton last night, Liverpool fans were quick to harp about talismanic captain Steven Gerrard’s injury. While there’s no doubt that his injury hampered Liverpool’s ability to win against Everton, Liverpool now face a battle to turn excuses into motivators.

Since Rafa Benitez’s outburst against Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United, Liverpool have lost their stranglehold on the Premier League’s top spot, and went six games without a win. Upon convincingly beating Chelsea at the weekend, things were beginning to look positive for the Reds again.

David Moyes had other plans. After a determined display at Goodison Park in the FA Cup fourth round, Dan Gosling made the Toffees’ dreams come true with a winner in extra time. Lucas was red carded, Gerrard was hurt, and the signs are on the wall for yet another Liverpool collapse. In the coming three weeks, Liverpool will need to prove that they can survive without Steven Gerrard, or else their title dreams will end in disappointment.

So who will step up for Liverpool in Gerrard’s absense? Well, we know it won’t be Robbie Keane, but I still believe there are players around the pitch who will help Liverpool through this difficult period. While I’ve already ruled them out of the title race, I firmly believe Liverpool will be in the top three come May, with a second placed finish quite possible still. Here are the players who will make it happen:

Fernando Torres

The Spaniard has lit the Premier League on fire since his move last season, and he has carried his good form into this season. While his goals haven’t been quite as plentiful due to injuries this term, he has scored some critical goals in big games for Liverpool. Torres got going as early as the first game of the season, scoring late on to beat Sunderland 1-0 in the opening match of the 2008/09 Premier League season, and he has carried that all the way until February. Torres appears to be the only answer to Liverpool’s goal problem, so they’ll need him to hit top form with Gerrard out.

Xabi Alonso

It still amazes me that there were heavy rumors of him leaving Anfield this past summer. Xabi Alonso is arguably the best passer of the ball in the Premiership (although Michael Carrick would have a few words to say about that). He often comes up with goals at the right times, and can always be counted on for that killer ball. The only question mark that hovers over Xabi Alonso now is whether he can function without Gerrard’s work rate next to him in midfield. If he can, Alonso will be the key to Liverpool’s midfield.

Pepe Reina

Even though he doesn’t top the clean sheets table this season, Reina has been quite impressive in recent months. Another part of Rafa’s Spanish contingent at Anfield, Reina has become a staple of this Liverpool side, and will need to continue being dependable in net. His command of his back four has been impeccable lately, and bar a few clumsy mistakes he has been excellent. With no clear leader in sight with Gerrard out, Reina could be forced to take the reins.

These next three weeks will define Liverpool’s season. With difficult away matches on the horizon, Rafa Benitez will need to rally his team up for “squeaky bum time” as Sir Alex Ferguson likes to put it. Both United and Chelsea will be up for the run in, so Liverpool better be prepared.

What are your thoughts on Liverpool’s situation? Have your say in the forums, and pick up an official Liverpool jersey in the Premiership Talk Shop!