Fergie Surprised By Keane's Anfield Switch

Sir Alex Ferguson has kicked off the mind games ahead of this weekend's North West derby, labelling Liverpool's £20million capture of Robbie Keane a "big surprise".

Keane moved to Anfield from Tottenham Hotspur in July for what would have been a Reds record fee had they not paid £21million for a certain Spaniard the previous year.

It was the first big-money deal of what was initially a slow summer on the transfer front, and the Irish striker was heralded as the final piece of Rafael Benitez's jigsaw puzzle.

The likes of Ian Rush, Liverpool's all-time leading goalscorer, declared that Keane's experience and nous would transform the Merseysiders into a team capable of winning the Premier League, let alone challenging for it.

The 28-year-old has endured a relatively slow start to his Reds career, however, failing to find the net at all to date.

And Ferguson has rubbed salt into the wound by hinting that the ex-Internazionale hitman was a curious signing.

He said in The Sun: “The big surprise was Liverpool paying £20million for Keane.”

The United boss's statement may seem utterly innocuous on the surface, but developments later in the summer give his words a plethora of potential connotations.

For Keane's Mersey move was comfortably eclipsed in both financial and shock value, with Manchester City landing Robinho for £32million and Dimitar Berbatov arriving at Old Trafford for just under £31million.

Ferguson's insistence that Keane was a more surprising signing than Robinho would seem to suggest that he questions the price-tag or believes Benitez ought to have spent his cash on other areas of the pitch.

Indeed, press and public alike have begun asking similar questions of the Spanish tactician's summer spending. Liverpool's dearth of wide options was exposed against Aston Villa recently when Keane was forced to play on the left wing, while even in his regular position the former Leeds star causes problems.

One of the highlights of the Reds' 2007-08 campaign was the attacking partnership that formed between Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard. The pair netted 51 goals between them and racked up numerous direct assists to become one of the most exciting tag-teams in Europe.

However, Keane playing his normal second-striker role could disrupt the rapport Gerrard and Torres have developed; and while Keane and Torres have shown glimpses of their potential together, it is yet to produce anything like what the skipper and El Nino did last season.

That is one interpretation of Ferguson's words, in any case. Whether Benitez and Keane reach the same conclusion remains to be seen, but they may prefer to do their talking during Saturday's clash at Anfield.

Kuyt Keen For New Deal

Dirk Kuyt hopes to secure a new deal at Liverpool and insists he does not want to leave Anfield.

The Holland forward was strongly linked with Hamburg before the end of the summer transfer window and it was rumoured he could be sold to finance a move for Aston Villa's Gareth Barry.

And Kuyt - a fans' favourite on Merseyside due to his work ethic and European goalscoring record - has hinted at an interest in working with Hamburg boss and fellow Dutchman Martin Jol in the future.

However, Kuyt - under contract with the Reds until 2010 - is adamant that he does not want to leave Liverpool anytime soon.

"Martin Jol is one of the best Dutch coaches, someone who I want to work with possibly in the future," Kuyt told Sportweek.

"However, it has never come into my mind to leave Liverpool. I am happy here.

"Hamburg is, of course, not a small club, but it cannot be compared with Liverpool.

"My contract still has two more years to run, hopefully a new deal will follow."

Liverpool Can Cope Without Gerrard Or Torres Against United, Says Arbeloa

Alvaro Arbeloa insists Liverpool can still beat Manchester United without Steven Gerrard or Fernando Torres.

The key duo faces a race against time to prove their fitness ahead of Saturday's Premier League showdown.

Club captain Gerrard is recovering from groin surgery, while striker Torres is struggling with a hamstring strain.

Arbeloa is confident that Rafa Benitez's side can cope if they are ruled out of the Anfield clash.

The Spain international told the club's official website: 'Fernando and Stevie are really important for us and they are probably our best players. But we have a really good squad and know we have other really good players too. We can still beat Manchester United without Fernando and Stevie.

'It will be a hard game for us, but it will also be tough for them. Their defenders have to play against players like Yossi Benayoun, Dirk Kuyt and Robbie Keane.

'This is really important for us because we have a fantastic team with great players. I think we can be successful. We now have people like Robbie Keane, who is a really good player, and Albert Riera too.'

Liverpool Boss Benitez Gives Hyypia Explanation, Terms UEFA New Rule A ‘Mistake’

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has pointed out that the UEFA rule stating that at least eight home-grown players are mandatory in the squad for the Champions League, was the reason why he had to leave Sami Hyypia out of the group stages. The Spanish tactician, however, questioned the rule for Europe’s premier club competition.

Experienced Finland international centre-back Hyypia was surprised as he found no place in the Reds squad for the group stages.

"It was really difficult decision, but we had to do it. With the rule saying that you need more or less eight British - or local - players in the squads, we needed to decide which three centre-backs to have for the Champions League," Benitez told Liverpoolfc.tv.

Benitez felt that the new rule by the UEFA is a mistake, as he said: "Clearly I think it is a mistake. When you play in the Champions League, you need the best players you have on the pitch. It is not about where you are from, it is about the best players. I would understand if this rule came in for the Premier League, but not for the Champions League."

Benitez however, believes the squad will be used to the maximum in the entire season depending upon the progress the Reds make in the Cup competitions.

He said: "We now have four centre-backs who are good enough so they have to compete. And obviously it depends on the number of games we play and how we progress in the cup competitions too, so there could be a lot of games for many of our players."

Robbie Keane Becomes Latest Liverpool Player To Be Burgled

Robbie Keane has become the latest Liverpool player to fall victim to burglars, according to reports.

The Republic of Ireland forward's penthouse apartment was broken into while he was away on international duty for his country's 2-1 win over Georgia on Saturday.

The thieves broke into the flat he shares with his wife, Claudine, and are believed to have stolen an expensive watch and jewellery.

Keane, 28, had been using the city centre property in Liverpool while he searches for a home after his £20 million move from Tottenham Hotspur. Over the past two years six Liverpool players, including Steven Gerrard and Peter Crouch, who has since signed for Portsmouth, have been burgled while playing for the club.

Rafa Waits On Gerrard And Torres

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez will give Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres until the last minute to prove their fitness for this weekend's clash with Manchester United.

The star pair are battling to be fit for the first big title showdown of the season after picking up knocks last month.

Torres is hoping to shake off the hamstring strain he picked up in the goalless draw at Aston Villa, while Gerrard is recovering from groin surgery.

Gerrard appeared to rule himself out of the Anfield showdown at United by claiming earlier this week he was unlikely to be fit.

However, Benitez has refused to count the England midfielder out of his plans just yet.

"It is always more difficult to prepare for the match with injuries because you know that if they are fit we will use them, but in this case you never know," he told the club's official website

"It is better to avoid saying whether they can be available - it is difficult to say if they can play or not because they may have not played for 10 or 15 days. But they are both working hard with the physios and are improving, so there's still some time to decide."

On Gerrard, Benitez added: "You never know, he is still progressing. The key is the fitness of the player - it makes a massive difference if he has confidence. That is the main thing for him."

If the duo fail to recover in time, Benitez is confident the rest of his squad can rise to the challenge of facing the champions.

"Clearly we have enough quality in the squad, so it is always important to look to the other players and sometimes they can give more to you than the big names.

"They can have the same quality and passion and they also have a lot to prove to the supporters."

Holland Coach Ready To Keep Unhappy Kuyt On The Bench, Admits Van Marwijk

Holland coach Bert van Marwijk has played down reports of a rift with Dirk Kuyt after the Liverpool forward voiced his dissatisfaction at being relegated to the bench.

Speaking to Sportweek magazine ahead of Holland's World Cup qualifier against FYR Macedonia on Wednesday, Kuyt lamented the decision of Van Marwijk to leave him on the bench for Saturday's friendly against Australia, branding it "unacceptable".

'I have to be on the team,' said Kuyt.

'I just want to play and think that I should play. I'm going to make sure I'm going to play.

'I will not be resigned to my fate, and will never accept my role as 12th man. Being a substitute is unacceptable to me."

But Van Marwijk was unfazed by the 28-year-old's outburst, and insisted Kuyt was not directing any criticism in his direction.

'Those words are really aimed at himself," Van Marwijk told Voetbal International.

'Dirk just looks in the mirror and wants to get more out of his career. He demands a starting place from himself, not from me. That only means that he is a good sportsman.

'Not a single coach benefits from reserves who think it's fine to sit on the bench. Every player must have the ambition to win a starting place.

'As coach, you can only be happy about that kind of player.

'Van Marwijk also agreed with Kuyt's assertion that the quality of football at international level "is not as high" as that found at club level.

'Dirk is of course completely right that the level of training at top European teams is higher,' Van Marwijk conceded.

'But that is logical, isn't it?

'The club team consists of only internationals, and they come together on the training pitch each day.

'That is a luxury you don't have with the national team, so it is normal that the level is lower."

Liverpool’s Alonso Move To Arsenal Could Be On In January?

Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso could yet leave the Anfield side when transfer window reopens in January, the player’s agent suggested.

The Spanish international was fiercely linked with a move out of the Merseyside club in the just-concluded summer transfer window.

However, boss Rafa Benitez did not get any offer matching his asking price of £16 million with Juventus and Arsenal being linked but apparently shying away from the price tag, and the 26-year-old also maintained he was happy to stay with the Reds.

However, it seems that the future of Alonso is yet to be resolved as his agent Inaki Ibanez refused to dispel the doubts on his client’s long-term prospect.

"January is a long time away," he is quoted as saying in the Telegraph.

"At the moment Xabi is concentrating on playing well for Liverpool. No agreement was reached to sell him, so mentally he is a Liverpool player.

"But we will see what happens in January."

Advantage United As Gerrard Rules Himself Out Of Clash

Liverpool's influential leader Steven Gerrard had been a doubt for the key Premier League visit of League champions Manchester United, but his recent admission limits his chances further.

The international window was seen as the ideal time for Rafa Benitez to sanction a double groin operation for Steven Gerrard.

Liverpool chiefs had hoped their captain would be back to full fitness though in time for Saturday's crucial clash with Manchester United - the new season's first meeting between the 'top four' - but Gerrard has ruled himself out of fixture.

Gerrard is quoted by the Post as saying: "The United game is too soon... I've a decent chance for the Champions League game in Marseille but I've spoken to the manager and told him I'd like to do a certain amount of training before I come back."

"I don't want to go into a big game only having had one session with the boys," he concluded.

Fernando Torres is also a doubt for the United tie due to a hamstring tear. A club spokesperson confirmed one week ago: "A scan confirmed a hamstring tear in Fernando's right leg. He is expected to be out for between two and three weeks."

Rafa's Bootroom: Dave McDonough

Liverpoolfc.tv today continues its series looking at the men behind the Rafalution. Next up is a Kopite whose job it is to file reports on each and every opponent.

It's 6.45pm on February 21, 2007. In an hour's time Gerrard and co will face the best team in Europe in their famous Nou Camp stadium. Both sides are limbering up in the dressing room and the teamsheets have just been handed to referee Kyros Vassaras.

A quick glance at Rafa Benitez's chosen XI reveals his new right-back, Alvaro Arbeloa, is in the team - at left-back. The odd eyebrow is starting to rise.

But fast-forward 150 minutes and once again it's clear that Benitez has pulled off a tactical masterstroke as Lionel Messi, Barcelona's golden boy, walks disconsolately off the pitch having been marked out of the game.

Liverpool were heading back to Merseyside with an unlikely 2-1 advantage and, not for the first time in his Anfield reign, our Spanish boss was being lauded as the most astute tactician in world football.

But those in the know realise Benitez does not work alone.

One man who plays a key role in stopping the likes of Messi is Dave McDonough, head of opponent analysis at Melwood.

Here, in a revealing interview, Dave talks us through the business of being Rafa's mole.

Tell us about your main role here at Melwood?

I do reports for the boss on how the opposition plays. We have scouts who work to me who go to the games. Sometimes I go to the games as well. I then write a detailed report on how the opposition plays and compile video evidence to back it all up. These go to the boss a few days before the game and from there a match strategy will be formed. This will impact upon the training and also the team talk. That's the large part of my job.

Do you write the reports, then let Rafa and co work on a strategy, or are you part of that too?

We'll discuss things over the next few days but the funny thing about my job is that the morning after a game I have to give Rafa the report on our next opponent. I have to stay one game ahead.

So while everyone's thinking about, say, Sunderland, you're thinking about, say, Aston Villa?

Exactly – that's because of the timescales involved. We have two games a week but a report takes three or four days to write.

How much detail do you go into?

You look at individual players but also the squad and how they play collectively. We go into as much detail as we possibly can about strengths and weaknesses. Prior to every game – even if we've already played a team twice in a season – we will watch them three or four times.

How difficult is it to get all the video footage you need?

All the Premier League games are on telly these days. The difficulties come with collecting video evidence for early Champions League games. After the qualifiers it's easier because we can get footage of all the Italian and Spanish games from our sources.

So what do you do if we're playing some distant Bulgarian team?

We'll have them watched by one of our European scouts. As far as getting videos is concerned, it's surprising how easily you can get DVDs if you go through the right channels.

How many scouts do you have watching opponents?

Here in England we have three who are constantly watching games.

It must make your life tough when a new manager is appointed at a club mid-season, like, for example, Kevin Keegan at Newcastle last year?

It doesn't make it more difficult. You have to realise that new managers come in and change the way a team plays. A team can also change dramatically in the transfer window. The thing to remember when you watch a match fresh is to never make assumptions about a team or player – then you can keep on top of any changes.

You mention all the games we play at Liverpool – I imagine that means your job is never ending…

Yes. The missus is very good about it. She understands that football is an 11-month-a-year job, if not longer. The only way of staying at the top is to work all the time. It's a seven-day-a-week job. I normally get to work about 7.30-8am, and I'm here 'til about 7pm. But it's football and I love it.

Your role also includes analysing the players here at Liverpool, doesn't it?

Eighty per cent of the job is opponent analysis but I also analyse our own team and collect images for coaching purposes from our games. I work closely with Angel Vales on that. He is responsible for the written analysis of our team.

What kind of technology do you use – we often hear about Pro-Zone?

We have the AMISCO system. It's one of the products you can use for match analysis. There's several others which I won't bore people with. We use AMISCO and that provides a method of tracking players during a game.

We usually see you in the press box during games – is that what you're doing?

We get the AMISCO analysis within 24 hours, though you can sometimes get things live, so I'm up there watching the game looking for things we'll want to work on or investigate.

I bet you here some rubbish spoken up there, don't you?

I'm usually not listening, to be honest! [Laughs] No, there are plenty of experts up there! You are normally too focused on the game to listen to the chatter, though.

What's your football background – and are you a Liverpool fan?

Yes, I've always been a Liverpool fan. I was a coach for 20-odd years. I have worked at the Academy and the youth set up here at Liverpool since 1997. I also did scouting for the Academy and first-team for many years. I've also done match analysis for a long time. I've been in my current role three years now.

Scouse Ace Eyeing Regular Position

Steven Irwin is hoping to finally nail down a regular position after making the permanent move to Melwood in the summer.

The 17-year-old has played in every single position during his rise through the Liverpool ranks – even in goal.

Last season brought more stability as he split his time between just two areas: right-back and central midfield.

Now the proud Liverpudlian is waiting to see what new boss Gary Ablett has planned for 2008-09.

Irwin, a former captain of the under-18s, told Liverpoolfc.tv: "It can work both ways. If the manager has a few injuries and he needs me to fill in somewhere, then I am capable of doing that. That's a good point.

"But obviously you want to nail down a proper position and make it your place in the team. If you play there week in, week out you are going to improve in that position.

"I think I am settling down in midfield and right-back now – I'm not being moved about too much. I would say central midfield is my best position, just over right-back. But I'm happy to see what happens in the coming months.

"I've played in every single position during my time at Liverpool. I actually played in goal two years ago when we played Wolves. The 'keeper got injured after 10 minutes. I had loads of saves to make so I'll be pushing Pepe Reina soon! But no, even that was an enjoyable experience."

Gerrard Wants More From Reds Attack

Midfielder Steven Gerrard insists Liverpool must show more appetite in attack if they are to defeat Manchester United on Saturday.

The midfielder will not be fit in time for the clash between the two sides on Saturday, after the groin operation that caused him to miss this week's England World Cup qualifiers

"That's a bit too soon," he told The Guardian when asked about a comeback against United.

"I've a decent chance for the Champions League game in Marseille. I've spoken to the manager and told him I'd like to do a certain amount of training before I come back. I don't want to go into a big game only having had one session with the boys."

However, despite missing the game, Gerrard had some words of advice for his teammates.

"Against Chelsea in the cups, we've done them more than they've done us, but in the league we have to be a bit more attack-minded to win.

"Over the last couple of years we've gone into games against United and Chelsea very organised tactically - defensive if you like - and still lost 1-0.

"Have the same sound defence and show more b*****s going forward and it could be 1-0 to us.

"In these matches the first goal is massive; if you concede it, nine times out of 10 you don't get back. It's important a few risks are taken to try to score that goal against these teams because it gives you such a psychological boost."

Finnan: Anfield Exit 'Out Of The Blue'

Republic Of Ireland defender Steve Finnan has admitted that his transfer from Liverpool to Espanyol took him by surprise.

One of the more eye-catching transfers of this season's deadline day saw Irish international Steve Finnan join La Liga stalwarts Espanyol on a two-year deal.

The name of Finnan was added to the transfer that saw Albert Riera move in the opposite direction, after Finnan lost his place in the Liverpool first team.

The 32-year-old had not featured for Liverpool in any competition this season prior to his move, with Rafa Benitez freezing him out of regular action.

Finnan insists that he didn't agitate for a move away from the English giants, and that his first choice was to remain at the club.

The right-back is currently in Germany preparing for Ireland's World Cup qualifier in Montenegro this coming Wednesday and will link-up with his Espanyol team-mates upon his return from international duty.

He spoke to the Liverpool Post, and said: "It [Liverpool exit] was totally out of the blue. It's exciting to be going to a great club in Spain but I didn't want to leave. But it was obvious that I wasn't going to get a game by staying so I didn't really have much choice."

Pellegrino Wary Of Tevez Threat

Liverpool's first-team coach Mauricio Pellegrino believes countryman Carlos Tevez will be Manchester United's danger man in Saturday's clash.

Pellegrino reckons the Argentinian forward will be a more prominent figure in the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo.

He told Liverpool's official website: "Cristiano is an important player but it won't make a massive difference to them because they have a lot of good players.

"Carlos is a good player. He is very strong and a fighter. He fights until the end of every game.

"The key in these games is to score goals and play better than them! I think we are ready to do a strong job against them, and we are ready to beat them. I have a lot of confidence in the players."

Sami Hyypia: I‘ll Play My Part

SAMI HYYPIA today admitted his shock and dismay at being dropped from the Reds Champions League squad until the New Year at least – but hopes he still has a significant part to play in Liverpool’s plans this season.

New UEFA regulations mean that eight players from every club’s 25-man Champions League squad must be home grown.

And Hyypia has been the man to make way. When the Reds travel to Marseille next Tuesday, he will be left at home. A new list is not submitted until the knockout stages are reached next year.

Currently on international duty, Hyypia said: “The manager’s decision to leave me out of the squad is a big disappointment for me.

“I understand it’s partly because of the UEFA regulations, but despite that, the news came as a surprise to me and a shock too.

“But the club had a ‘perfect’ timing for this: they didn’t want me to move elsewhere, so that’s why I was told the news of having been left out, just after the transfer window had closed.

“The club went public to say there had been offers for me, but turned them down. So perhaps that means I am still part of the plans for this season.

“I don’t know if I would have wanted to move on, had I heard news about the squad when the window was still open.”

UEFA regulations mean that four players must be ‘association trained’ (ie produced by an English academy) while four must be ‘domestic association trained’ (ie produced by Liverpool’s Academy).

Liverpool’s four ‘domestic’ players are Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher, Jay Spearing and Stephen Darby, with Robbie Keane, Jermaine Pennant, Steven Irwin and Martin Kelly making up the others.

Spanish international Alvaro Arbeloa is one of the foreign players named in the Champions League squad, and the full-back dismissed speculation over the weekend that he wanted a return to La Liga.

“I don’t know where all the speculation that I am not happy has come from but it is miles from the truth,” Arbeloa declared.

“I am at a massive club.

“I have played in a European Cup semi-final and a final too since I came here. I also broke into the national team through my displays for Liverpool.

“There is competition for places here just the same as there is at any big club. But I know if I play well, play to a really high level, then the manager has confidence in me and will play me in his team.

“I have played anywhere the manager has asked me to play and I will do the same again this season.”

Steven Gerrard: I'm Suffering Because I Can Play Various Roles

Liverpool and England midfielder Steven Gerrard feels his game has suffered because of his versatility.

The 28-year-old favours a central position but has frequently been used on the left and right with both club and country.

Gerrard told the Sunday Times: “I’ve paid the price for being able to do a decent job in other positions.

“Other players don’t get shunted around because they can’t do it. I can’t go and play on the right or the left and become Kaka or Robinho, I just go out there, give 100% and do a steady job.

“I’ll work hard, do my bit defensively and help the team. That’s why managers do it to me, but it is affecting me.

“My game suffers when my position is changed. I’m a central midfielder and in the big games I want to play in the middle and show that I’m one of the very best in that position.

“I’ve played in my favourite position for England five times in 68 games. What can you do? I go into training with England and try to prove myself every day.

“Every England manager I’ve worked under knows where I want to play, but they pick the formations and I play where I’m told.”

Gerrard will miss England’s crunch World Cup qualifying clash with Croatia on Wednesday after undergoing groin surgery.

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez was hoping his captain would be fit to face Manchester United next weekend, but Gerrard insists that is too soon.

“I’ve a decent chance for the Champions League game in Marseille,” he continued.

“I’ve spoken to the manager and told him I’d like to do a certain amount of training before I come back. I don’t want to go into a big game only having had one session with the boys.”

Jamie Carragher Admits Concern Over Ownership Of Liverpool

Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has revealed his concern over the structure of the club.

Carragher believes a lack of footballing knowledge within the Anfield hierarchy could prove damaging.

The 30-year-old Liverpudlian would like to see American owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks appoint a figure such as former manager Kenny Dalglish to a senior role to help with key decisions.

Hicks and Gillett last year revealed they had sounded out Jurgen Klinsmann with a view to succeeding manager Rafael Benitez should the Spaniard leave, but admitted having limited knowledge of the German.

Carragher, writing in his autobiography Carra, printed in the News of the World, said: “What worries me about Hicks saying saying he’d never heard of Klinsmann is this: what happens when we do need to appoint another manager?

“Liverpool fans will shudder at the idea of names being checked on the internet.

“If Kenny was on the board, the owners would be able to ask his advice in the knowledge he has a grasp of what supporters here expect.”

Plessis Eager For More Games

Liverpool starlet Damien Plessis has revealed his determination to feature regularly at Anfield this season.

The French youngster has played regularly this season, starting in the critical first leg against Standard Liege in the Champions League qualifier.

And the France under-21 international is thrilled with the faith manager Rafael Benitez has shown in him this season and is determined to play more and more games to improve as a player and showcase his talents.

"I want to play, to play again, and to play as much as possible," Plessis said to Liverpool’s official website.

"My plan is to perform well with my club in order to be called up again for the France Under-21 team. It's up to me to do what it takes with Liverpool to carry on this way,” the midfielder stated.

"The good thing with Rafael Benitez is that he doesn’t care whether a player is young or not. Everybody has equal chances."

Another target for the starlet is to make the squad for this season’s Champions League proper, for which the Reds’ campaign begins against French side Marseille, who beat Liverpool at Anfield last year in the group stages, on September 16.

"Of course [I am looking forward to the Champions League]! First of all I hope I'll be part of the squad," he stated.

"Then, for sure I was hoping we would draw Lyon or Marseille so I could come back and play in France. At the end of the day it's an immense pleasure, even if we know it’s going to be very difficult,” Plessis added.

"L'OM proved last year at Anfield they are a very dangerous team. They strengthened well this summer and are top of Ligue 1. We are aware of it.

"The game at the Stade Velodrome is a must-win one because then there is Atletico Madrid and PSV Eindhoven, who are redoubtable adversaries. It's going to be a nice encounter."

Torres Expected For United Date

According to the latest reports out of England, Fernando Torres is winning his race for fitness ahead of the hotly anticipated clash between Liverpool and Manchester United next Saturday.

The News of the World is reporting that the Reds' medical staff have been delighted with the progress that the Spaniard has made since tweaking his hamstring against Aston Villa last week, and are confident that he will be fit in time for the United date.
This would be a massive boost for Liverpool, who will almost certainly be without Steven Gerrard for a clash that could go on to define their season.

Rafa Benitez had been desperately hoping that their most influential player would be able to return from two minor groin operations that caused him to miss England's World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Croatia for the upcoming clash against their arch rivals, but Gerrard's latest comments suggest that this is no longer realistic.

"That's a bit too soon," he said over the prospects of being back in time for the home match against United.

"I've a decent chance for the Champions League game in Marseille. I've spoken to the manager and told him I'd like to do a certain amount of training before I come back. I don't want to go into a big game only having had one session with the boys."

Gerrard Hopeful Of Premier League Glory

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has his sights set on winning the Premier League before retirement.

The all-action midfielder has been hailed as a Reds legend at just 28 years of age, but admits his trophy cabinet is somewhat lean in comparison to past greats throughout Anfield history.

While the England international remains proud of his side's incredible comeback victory in the 2005 Champions League final, as well as FA Cup, League Cup and European Super Cup triumphs during his time with the club, the grand prize of the league has thus far passed him by.

The Reds have never won the Premier League, and have gone 18 years without a league title in any form, with bitter rivals Manchester United close to catching their all time record of 18, having just won their 17th last season.

"The memories of Istanbul will go to the grave with me," Gerrard told Liverpool's official website.

"There isn't a day goes by that I don't think about it, but I want more memories. I want to get on another open-top bus and see another million people on the streets of Liverpool, acclaiming the league title.

"The city will explode if we win the league, and I don't want it to happen when I'm retired. I'm 28 and realise the years are flying by.

"In November I'll have been a first-teamer for 10 years and yet it seems like I only made my debut two or three months ago, I've enjoyed it that much. I want from 28 to 35 to be even better, and I feel my best years are ahead of me.

"I don't want to retire and have just Istanbul and a couple of FA Cups to remember. It will be a disaster, personally, if I don't win the league here."