Dalglish Urges His Side To Respect The Threat Of Swansea

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish has warned his team they must not take newly promoted Swansea City lightly when the clubs clash on Saturday.

The Scot believes the Reds have squandered too many points against sides promoted from the Championship in recent years and hopes to avoid a repeat against the Welsh team.

Dalglish told reporters: "It's a game that we're going to have to be very patient in. The supporters have to understand that sometimes there is a bit of disrespect for teams who have been promoted.

"Swansea might have spells of possession in the game, which we've got to accept. We've rued the games against some promoted teams over the last few years. Swansea are one of the promoted teams but they're a decent side and they've got a good collection of points."

Dalglish is full of admiration for how Brendan Rodgers' side have played this year in the Premier League, but will not be doing them any favours come the weekend.

"I wouldn't say struggled is the right word," Dalglish said. "I would just say they've had a difficult draw of games. They certainly never struggled in the first 20-25 minutes at Eastlands. We've got the utmost respect for them and their principles are similar to ours.

"I don't know Brendan Rodgers as a person, I only know what he's done in football, but he's certainly set up a decent team there.

"I don't think it does you any good to change your principles, you have to change the whole team if you change your principles. That was the way they got their reward last year in promotion - why should they change? Good luck to them.

"It's a great achievement what they've done so far but let's hope their bad run away from home continues."

Bellamy Eyes Swans Statement

Craig Bellamy has called on Liverpool to demonstrate their top-four credentials by securing victory over Swansea City this weekend and extending their unbeaten run to eight matches in the process.

The Swans will journey to Anfield on Saturday having enjoyed an encouraging start to life in the top flight after securing promotion from the Championship last term.

However, Bellamy is eager for the Reds to return to winning ways on home soil following the 1-1 draw with Swansea's fellow Barclays Premier League new boys Norwich City a fortnight ago.

"It is important to keep the unbeaten run going, but with no disrespect to Swansea, if we have ambitions of finishing in the top four then we have to win these type of games," he told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"We slipped up against Norwich, but on overall chances created and how we went about it, on any other given day we would have won quite comfortably.

"Credit to Norwich, they kept going because we didn't kill them off. If we can create the same number of chances against Swansea, then I feel we will that game.

"We have to look at it as trying to get three points because they are a promoted team and if we want to get into the top four, these are the games we have to try and win."

Swansea will come to Anfield sitting in 10th position in the table having enjoyed an enterprising start to the campaign.

"I'm not surprised because of the way they play and are as a football club," said Bellamy. "The Premier League suits them.

"They will play football at all costs - and they have done. They've tried to keep that idea and that momentum going. I think they will be very comfortable in the league this year.

"They're a good team and we'll have to be at the top of our game on Saturday. If we're not and we sit off, they'll pass it around us and it'll be a very uncomfortable afternoon."

Liverpool are currently in the midst of a seven-match unbeaten run in all competitions.

It was a sequence Bellamy himself kick-started when he opened the scoring during a Carling Cup tie at Brighton in September.

The striker admits it was a landmark moment on a personal level as it was his first goal for the Reds since securing a return to Anfield on transfer deadline day.

He said: "It was a big moment. It was Brighton and seven minutes in, and then I was lucky enough to follow it up in my next start with another goal at home to Norwich.

"We should have been a couple of goals up by that time, but to get a goal in front of the Kop is always an extra bonus."

Bellamy's first spell at Anfield yielded nine goals - including one in a historic 2-1 Champions League victory over Barcelona at the Nou Camp.

Having signed from Blackburn Rovers in 2006, the Welsh international spent just a season at Liverpool before departing for West Ham United the following summer.

The 32-year-old admits he thought the chance to ever don the red jersey again had passed him by - but was left thrilled when Kenny Dalglish moved to snap him up from Manchester City earlier this summer.

In doing so, Bellamy fulfilled a lifelong goal - to play for the King of the Kop.

He said: "It was always an ambition to work with Kenny. Did I feel I was going to get this opportunity again? Probably not - but then Kenny would say the same as well. These things can happen in football.

"When he returned in charge in January, I got to see his team and it was so refreshing watching Liverpool.

"To watch Kenny come back and the football that's been played, for me it is exciting to be around - and that is something I'd expect from Liverpool Football Club."

He added: "It's been really good and I have enjoyed it. Training has been great. I'm lucky enough to have worked with Steve Clarke and Kevin Keen before at West Ham, and to be involved with them again is great.

"Training is intense, but it is always with a view to the opposition who we're going to play.

"Every day you come in and there is something different. There is a great atmosphere at the place - very relaxed but really with a goal of Champions League football. We have the players to do it and I feel this team will get stronger through the year as well."

No Old Pals' Act For Clarke

Steve Clarke has revealed why he is looking forward to welcoming an old friend to Anfield when Swansea City come to town - but is hoping the only thing Brendan Rodgers heads back to Wales with on Saturday evening is a handshake.

The Liverpool first-team coach is close friends with the Swans gaffer having struck up a friendship during their days working at youth-team level.

Clarke then recommended Rodgers to former club Chelsea when he was promoted to the role of Jose Mourinho's assistant at Stamford Bridge in 2004.

The Scot explained to Liverpoolfc.tv: "I know Brendan well. We came across each other what seems like a really long time ago when I was managing the youth team at Chelsea and Brendan was youth-team manager at Reading. We had some good matches and got to know each other through that.

"When Mourinho went to Chelsea, I moved up to work with Jose and recommended that Brendan could be one of the candidates to come in and take the job with the youth team.

"Fortunately for everybody, Brendan got the job and did a great job for Chelsea."

He added: "We stay in contact regularly. I probably speak to Brendan a couple of times a month - obviously not this week because we've got different agendas at the weekend. I haven't seen him for a while, so I'm looking forward to seeing him after the game.

"He's done a terrific job at Swansea. I hope they have a big reversal this weekend, but after that I wish them all the best."

Dalglish Convinced Liverpool Squad Can Cope Without Key Duo

Kenny Dalglish is convinced his Liverpool squad can cope with the absence of key men Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher as they are much better equipped compared to last season.

Gerrard and Carragher, the local heroes who have been the backbone of the Liverpool team for 12 years, have always been indispensable members of the squad with the club's success very much dependent on their availability.

However, with the backing of new owners, Dalglish has spent heavily on new players including midfielders Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam and Stewart Downing and defender Sebastian Coates,

And Dalglish believes the squad can now cope with the absence of captain Gerrard and vice-captain Carragher.

"We would much rather have both of them available, but if they aren't then we can't walk about with self-pity," said the Scot. "We have to brush ourselves down and get on with it.

"The response from the players has been fantastic, and it was a great achievement for the boys to get a result at West Brom last Saturday without them. I think that's a reflection of how strong the squad is now compared to maybe how it was at the end of last season.

"I don't think at the end of last season we'd have coped as well without Carra and Stevie as we have now. We won't be complacent in any way, shape or form. The sooner they are back then the better we will be."

However, Dalglish has insisted that the veteran duo remain crucial parts of the team.

"I don't think anybody can dispute the role they have played in forming part of the history of this club," he said. "They have both played massive roles and will continue to be a huge part of this football club.

"Talismanic figures like them are always difficult to replace, but that's part and parcel of this club - people move on, they get old and you have to replace them and try and take it forward.

"It happens to everybody. It's how you respond to it that's the important thing. But it's also important for us to be respectful and appreciate what they've done.

"It's not an obituary for either of them, they both have a bit more to offer here."

Dalglish Linked With Sensational Move For Tevez

Manchester City's controversial striker Carlos Tevez has emerged as a shock target for Liverpool who are hoping to land the player on a short term loan deal.

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish has seen his side criticised in recent weeks for failing to find the target despite carving out numerous opportunities.

The Reds beat West Brom 2-0 at the weekend but it could have been more had the side taken their chances, while a 1-1 draw with Norwich at Anfield further highlighted Liverpool's lack of composure in front of goal.

This has led to numerous media outlets suggesting that Liverpool could now attempt to land Tevez, with reports suggesting that the forwards agent Kia Joorabchian had already held informal talks with a Liverpool representative.

City are hoping to be able to loan out the striker while they wait for him to be sold with West Ham and Corinthians both sounding out the Premier League leaders about possible loan deals.

Tevez is also keen to keep playing and put himself in the shop window as he knows that he will struggle to ever play again under Roberto Mancini.

Dalglish managed to convince Mancini to part with striker Craig Bellamy over the summer and is reportedly contemplating bringing Tevez to Anfield.

Liverpool already have Bellamy, Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll available to play up front, but should the Reds be able to land Tevez on a short term loan deal then they would snap up the opportunity to have such a prolific striker at the club.

Liverpool In Pole Position To Sign Swedish Wonderkid

According to reports on Insidefutbol.com, Liverpool are in pole position to sign exciting Swedish teenager William Sheriff.

The 15-year-old AIK Solna player has been hailed as a future star by the club and it is thought scouts from around Europe have flocked to Stockholm to watch him in action.

Italian giants AC Milan and Inter Milan are also both thought to be interested, but Liverpool is the player's preferred move should he leave AIK.

It has been claimed that Sheriff had the chance to sign for Liverpool in the past, but opted to sign for AIK from local club Gefle IF in August to remain in Sweden.

However, the Reds have reportedly been keeping a close eye on the young midfielder's progress and have firmed up their interest due to the interest of the Milan clubs.

The Sierra-Leonne born Sherif is progressing well at AIK and the club fear they will lose him sooner rather than later.

And Liverpool are reportedly ready to pounce and are expected to make an approach in January.

Kenny Happy With Development

Manager Kenny Dalglish believes the evolving partnerships in his Liverpool squad will prove key to the club's chances of long-term success.

With seven new arrivals in the summer and January signings Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll having hardly played alongside each other in the latter stages of last season it has taken a while for things to knit together at Anfield.

The striking duo are starting to develop an understanding but by far the most successful link-up this season has been the one down the left between Jose Enrique and Stewart Downing, both summer signings.

Charlie Adam has also slotted in alongside Lucas Leiva in central midfield to go some way to counter the absence of injured captain Steven Gerrard, who has only made two Premier League starts this season.

Dalglish said: "The squad is the most important thing, then it becomes the team then the partnerships between people on the pitch and their understanding and getting to know each other.

"They get to know the idiosyncrasies of each individual player and their team-mates; for Jose and Stewart I don't think it is any different from any other pairing on the pitch.

"The more they play and train together the better their understanding will be.

"There have been a few new players coming in so it might take them a little bit of time to understand it but I think some of the football they have played up to now has been fantastic for them.

"Stewart fills in if Jose goes forward but that is only part of their relationship and it is the same all over the pitch, there are relationships to be bedded in.

"To their credit they have done it a lot quicker than a lot of people would have expected."

Such has been the form of Enrique, who made his debut in the opening match of the season just 24 hours after moving from Newcastle, he has played every minute of all 10 Premier League matches so far.

That has had his name mentioned for a potential first international call-up for Spain.

Dalglish believes the 25-year-old is more than capable of playing at that level - although he admits there are a few barriers to be overcome.

"He got thrown in at the deep end against Sunderland because Fabio (Aurelio) got injured and he slotted in straight away - maybe that was a blessing in disguise for him being thrown in as soon as he did as he didn't have much time to think about it," said the Scot.

"He has certainly played very well for us but I think he has to concentrate on getting a game for us first and then he can worry about Spain.

"If he gets called for I don't think there is any level in the game that he couldn't play well at."

Reina's Reds Faith Restored

Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina admits the stability brought by Fenway Sports Group restored his faith in the club.

Reina revealed in his autobiography that he considered leaving Anfield for Arsenal in the summer of 2010 only for former owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett to block the transfer fearing it would send out the wrong message to any potential buyers.

In the end, the decision over the future of the Reds was taken out of the American pair's hands when it was sold to FSG amid increasing financial concerns.

Reina admits writing about those difficult times under the former owners was not easy, but the Spaniard believes the future is bright under their new owners and Kenny Dalglish.

"All the stuff about the club being threatened with administration - those were the most difficult bits," Reina said at the launch of Pepe: My Autobiography.

"It was a pretty tough moment for everyone, not just me.

"Everyone at Melwood, Anfield and around Liverpool were not very happy with the club, team and the performances.

"They were tough moments but once again I knew a club like Liverpool was not going to be sitting waiting for it to go into administration and fortunately we found good owners and the stability came back."

Keegan Believes Dalglish Was The Perfect Choice For Liverpool

Kevin Keegan believes Kenny Dalglish was the only man who had the ability to turn around Liverpool's misfortunes last season because of his in-depth knowledge of the club.

Dalglish replaced Roy Hodgson in January after a disappointing first half of the season, and since then the club has been on the up, with the side currently sixth in the Premier League after 10 games.

Keegan told Liverpool's official website: "I think only he could have come in at the time and lifted the club.

"They needed someone who the fans believed in. Only Kenny could have come in and made that immediate impact because of his knowledge of the club.

"For example, when I went to Fulham, I had to learn about the club - but you don't need to learn about anything if you've played and managed here before.

"I wasn't surprised to see him return because it's in your blood. He was at the club and he was seeing things - things he knew probably weren't quite right or that if he was making a certain decision, it would be a different one.

"So he had that big advantage of being there and getting an overview of all of the club. When he came in, he hit the ground running."

Even though Dalglish and his side impressed at the tail end of last season, he failed to secure European football to the club, only managing to finish sixth, but Keegan believes this could be a blessing in disguise.

When asked where he thinks Liverpool can finish this season, he replied: "Fourth or third. The reason I think they've got a great chance is because they're not in Europe, although it seems to me as though Kenny is treating the Carling Cup as Europe by putting strong sides out.

"But it's not the same pressure and you're not shooting over 2,000 miles to play in Russia, then come back and have to go to London on the Saturday - that's tiring.

"Not getting into the Europa League was a big plus for Liverpool, I think, and why I think they have a chance of getting into the top four."

Arsenal & Liverpool Still Chasing Peruvian Star

Fiorentina wideman Juan Vargas is still reportedly being pursued by Liverpool and Arsenal.

The Peruvian's time at the Stadio Artemio Franchi appears to coming to an end after a disagreement with Viola manager Siniša Mihajlović.

And, according to reports in the Florence press, both Liverpool and Arsenal are keen to offer Vargas an exit route in January.

Vargas is able to operate at either left-back or on the left of midfield and would provide Kenny Dalglish or Arsene Wenger with added versatility.

Liverpool already have Jose Enrique and Stewart Downing among their number, but Dalglish is thought to be keen for further reinforcements in the left channel.

Arsenal, meanwhile, are known to be chasing further midfield additions following the respective summer departures of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri.

Wenger did move to compensate for the losses of the influential pair but was only able to bring Mikel Arteta and Yossi Benayoun to Arsenal on deadline day.

Liverpool Face Madrid Fight Over 'Alonso Replacement'

Liverpool face competition from Real Madrid in the race to sign Brazilian starlet Lucas.

The Sao Paulo sensation has been heavily linked with a move to Europe, with clubs in England, Spain, Italy and France thought to be keen on a move for the 19-year-old midfielder.

However, El Confidencial claims that Los Blancos have stepped up their interest in the teenager, with Jose Mourinho tracking the player closely ahead of a possible move.

'The special one' is looking to add Lucas as cover for former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso, it's claimed, with a view to the player taking a central role at the Santiago Bernabeu in years to come after learning under the Spanish international.

It's suggested that representatives of the club are in Brazil this week to discuss possible deals for both Neymar and Lucas, and the news will come as a blow to Liverpool, who were hoping to secure a transfer coup with the player's addition.

Kenny Dalglish has invested heavily in young players since his arrival at Anfield, with Andy Carroll and Jordan Henderson proving the owners on Merseyside are willing to invest in talent.

Lucas would be the icing on the cake, joining compatriot and namesake Lucas Leiva in the Liverpool midfielder, as well as left back Fabio Aurelio.

A transfer bidding war is something the Reds would not want to get involved in though, with the buying power of Los Blancos likely to be too much for Liverpool with their lack of Champions League football.

Lucas Calls For Better Home Form

Liverpool midfielder Lucas has admitted the Reds need to improve their home form ahead of Saturday's Anfield clash with Swansea.

Kenny Dalglish's side have dropped points against Sunderland and Norwich at home already and have failed to keep a clean sheet at Anfield all season.

Brazilian midfielder Lucas says they need to start turning draws into wins if they are to mount a top-four challenge this season.

"The points that we have dropped, especially in the home games, could be crucial in the end but I am still really confident that we will have a good season," Lucas told the Liverpool Daily Post.

"We have to make sure we get the points we need, especially at home, because that will be very important for us.

"The results may not have been the best just yet but there are a lot of new players that came in and it always takes time to settle and build an understanding."

Lucas insists the Reds are creating enough chances to win games comfortably so is confident of three points this weekend when Swansea visit.

"We know we have to improve our finishing but I think we are creating so many chances," he added. "That means we are doing something right.

"If you look at the number of chances we have created throughout the whole season and think about the number of times we have hit the post or the bar, then there are plenty of positives."

Martin Skrtel Says LFC Will Bring The Best Out Of Sebastian Coates

Martin Skrtel believes Liverpool are the right club to harness the potential of fellow centre-half Sebastian Coates.

The Uruguayan has featured just three times for the Reds since signing in the summer for £7m with Coates’ last outing his most encouraging appearance to date.

Although the 21-year-old’s mistake led to Stoke City opening the scoring in last month’s Carling Cup fourth round tie at the Britannia Stadium, the Montevideo-born player was otherwise outstanding against Tony Pulis’ uncompromising outfit.

Skrtel – who partnered the former Nacional defender in the second half of that 2-1 win – says making errors is part and parcel of the learning process and Coates’ development is safe under the stewardship of Kenny Dalglish.

“He's doing well,” Skrtel said.

“I know he made a mistake against Stoke, but that's part of being a footballer.

"Every player who has ever played has made a mistake at some time. He was unlucky because the other team scored from it.

"I think it's good for him to be at a club like this at such a young age.

“For a youngster to be training with people like Stevie, Suarez, Carra and more can only help him. I think he will become better and better.”

Whilst Coates is in the early stage of his defensive development, Skrtel believes he is not far away from coming into the peak years of his career.

The Slovakian international also believes the cut throat nature of the Premier League can fast track the progress of a defender.

“I'm 27 in December so I hope so,” said Skrtel on the theory that defenders reach their optimum around 30 years of age. “As I said about Sebastian, I think you become a better player as you gain more experience. Hopefully that will be the case for me too.

“In English football you get very little time on the ball, away from home sometimes you don't even get a single second.

“Almost every team has at least one big striker. I enjoy competing against them, challenging and making tackles. It's not possible to win the ball every time but it's always my aim.”

Though impressed with Coates and confident he will prove a major signing for Liverpool, Skrtel was most delighted to see Stewart Downing join the Reds in the summer.

“I was very happy when we signed Stewart Downing because it means I won't have to play against him! I remember one game against Boro away. I played at right-back, it was the first time I ever played there and he was on the left wing. It was a difficult day for me. He is a very good player.”

Dalglish Hopeful Over Gerrard

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish is hopeful Steven Gerrard will only miss one Premier League game with his latest injury problem.

The midfielder was sidelined for last weekend's win over West Brom after suffering an infection to his ankle.

The problem has ruled Gerrard out of this Saturday's home clash with Swansea as well as England's upcoming friendlies against Spain and Sweden.

It had been feared the injury could sideline Gerrard for up to a month, but Dalglish admits the Reds skipper is responding positively to the treatment and could be back in action after the international break.

"Since they found the infection, Steven has really been progressing extremely well. Everything is positive for him," said Dalglish.

"They found the infection and I suppose it's a wee bit like flu - you know you've got it, but you don't know where it came from.

"But they are treating and it is responding really well, so it's positive for him.

"There's nothing more sinister either."

Dalglish also fears Jamie Carragher will not be available for the visit of Swansea after he missed the West Brom win.

The Reds boss admits Liverpool miss the experienced duo when they are not playing, but he believes they now have enough strength in depth to cope without the pair.

"We will have a rain check on Carra. If he's not going to be right he's not going to be right," added Dalglish.

"I think as a club we are much better with those two fit.

"They have been fantastic servants for the club and they will continue to be.

"It is a great achievement for the boys to get a result at West Brom without either of those two playing."

Reds Handed NextGen Boost

Liverpool's hopes of progressing to the NextGen Series knockout stage have been given a major boost after Wolfsburg were held to a 3-3 draw by Molde on Wednesday night.

The result means the German side finish Group 2 on six points, one adrift of the Reds who currently occupy the second qualification spot.

Molde must now beat leaders Sporting Lisbon when the two teams lock horns on November 12 to have any chance of making it through what has been a keenly contested pool.

Rodolfo Borrell's youngsters travel to Portugal to face Sporting in their final match of the group on November 16.

Dalglish's Great Hope For Jonjo

Kenny Dalglish has spoken of his 'great hopes' for out-on-loan midfielder Jonjo Shelvey following his hat-trick in a 5-0 win over Leeds on Wednesday night.

The 19-year-old has now scored five goals in six league games as Blackpool attempt to regain promotion from the Championship.

And Dalglish said: "I never saw it but it's fantastic for Jonjo. In the first game he played he was exceptional and, scoring a hat-trick, he must have been decent - though I heard one or two of the other performances weren't too clever.

"He's a young boy who's got a fantastic future in football. He's there to educate himself and it's very important for him to take what you get from a bad performance and a good performance and to put them in perspective.

"We've got great hopes for him, we're delighted for him. To score a hat-trick in the Championship, I'm sure he'll remember that."

Why Liverpool Should Break The Bank To Sign Carlos Tevez

A look at the Liverpool’s goals for column, despite spending £57.3m on two strikers, doesn’t make the happiest reading for Liverpool fans. Profligate against Stoke, unable to finish off Manchester United and a draw at home with Norwich means we currently sit ten points behind City and have scored the least goals of clubs in the top six. Tevez scores goals, loads of them, and you can argue until you’re blue in the face that he is too similar to Suarez in style because you’re wrong. Tevez is far more direct than El Pistolero and also scores his fair share of long-range screamers. If we are to have any chance of holding off Spurs, Arsenal, Chelsea and even Newcastle in the race for third or fourth then we need to score more. The prospect of Suarez and Tevez playing together makes me moist around the gusset.

Both literally and figuratively, Tevez has the appearance of a wounded animal, and we have seen what he can do when he has a point to prove. He dragged City out of the mire time and time again the season past and, when given a bit of love, is beyond talismanic. His effort is inhumane, his effect on the players around him palpable and, when all is said and done, he is properly world class. Releasing the hound from January onwards would be a masterstroke if we can justify paying the £200k a week to take him on loan. He needs to play well to get a long-term move somewhere, we are still a few players short.

I had hoped, when Bellamy arrived, we would see more of him in tandem with Suarez and less of the tractor. And while Carroll has started to improve, his presence up front dictates a certain style of play. Tevez is technically as good as anyone in the Premier League, he is like Suarez in his ability to pop up everywhere and become the apex of several rapid fire triangular passing movements in quick succession and can play anywhere in a front three.

With all of this in mind, do I think Dalglish will even be looking at him? I’m not sure, I’ll admit to being mighty confused so far as to his transfer policy and, even if I’m still in the ‘it’s Kenny, why worry?’ club, a fellow supporter did whisper to me yesterday ‘what if Benitez had been given this level of financial support’ and I came away feeling a bit weird. But that is a separate article for another time. When Bellamy signed on a free I said that there was no better free signing in the league, with Tevez I feel the same in a loan capacity. There are obviously innumerate hoops to be jumped through for this transfer to happen, namely Mancini’s probable reluctance, but I’d be slightly worried if the board and management team didn’t at least give the idea some consideration.

Reds To Swoop For Huddlestone

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish is lining up a New Year move for Tottenham midfielder Tom Huddlestone, according to reports.

Huddlestone moved to Spurs from Derby back in 2005 when the current director of football at Anfield, Damien Comolli, was working at White Hart Lane.

The Frenchman is ready to try and tempt the 24-year-old away from London and up to Liverpool.

The Reds appear to be blessed in the middle of the park with plenty of options, although Steven Gerrard's ongoing injury situation at Anfield continues to cause concern, so where they would fit Huddlestone in is unclear.

Huddlestone would have to prove his fitness before any move materialized as he is currently ion the sidelines until December after undergoing surgery on his right ankle.

New Injury Setback For Gerrard Could Hamper England Return

Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard could have his hopes of getting back into the England team dashed as a result of his fresh injury concerns, according to the Guardian.

The midfielder missed the Merseyside outfit’s win at West Brom last weekend after infection set in on his ankle following a knock in training last week, hampering his recovery from a previous injury and he has not featured in a game for the Reds since their draw with Manchester United over two weeks ago.

Gerrard is understood to have a cast on his ankle and Liverpool are said to be considering the method of treatment on Tuesday, but the setback is threatening 31-year-old’s hopes of taking part in England’s two upcoming friendlies against Spain and Sweden at Wembley, with manager Fabio Capello set to announce his squad for the games on Sunday.

The Italian is expected to choose a more youthful outfit, but if Gerrard were to be fit for the games he could be given the nod after having not appeared for the Three Lions in a year, with his last showing coming against France at Wembley.

Dalglish Battles Mancini For Experienced Inter Milan Defender

Kenny Dalglish is set to go head-to-head with Roberto Mancini in the battle to sign Inter Milan defender Christian Chivu, according to reports in the Italian media.

The vastly experienced defender is out of contract in the summer and it appears as though the Italian club will not offer him a new deal.

The 31-year-old has been a regular for Inter Milan since moving from Serie A rivals Roma and has played 97 league games in his four year spell with the club.

Chivu has 75 caps for Romania and in his time with Inter Milan has won three league titles, two Coppa Italia's as well as the Champions League in 2010.

Liverpool and Manchester City are both said to be interested in landing the versatile defender and with Chivu being available on a free transfer they may be able to offer substantial wages.

The left-back, who can also operate in the centre of defence, cost Inter £14million back in 2007 but it is believed that he is ready to find a fresh challenge in the Premier League.

Dalglish is not yet happy with his defensive options as the Reds have struggled to keep clean sheets this season. However, Mancini knows the defender well from his time in charge of Inter and could yet attempt to bring Chivu to the Etihad.