Bug rules out Gerrard

12 April 2012

Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard has been ruled out of Wednesday night's Carling Cup quarter-final at Chelsea with a stomach bug.

The England player's illness makes a return for Xabi Alonso all the more likely after a 10-match absence with a metatarsal injury, after being sidelined since the 1-1 draw with Arsenal in October.

Manager Rafael Benitez told the club website, www.liverpoolfc.tv: "Xabi is training normally and should be available for the match at Chelsea. We are going into a busy period with lots of games so it is important to have our best players available."

Benitez may be tempted to shuffle his pack following the defeat by Manchester United at the weekend.

Steve Finnan is doubtful because of a calf problem while Daniel Agger remains sidelined with a foot injury.

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