LIVERPOOL are likely to face Sunderland without skipper Steven Gerrard this weekend. Gerrard missed last night’s international with a broken toe, and despite playing through the pain barrier against Chelsea, he’ll need rest to make a full recovery. It’s expected the captain will be out for at least ten days, ruling him out of the trip North East and making him a doubt for the return Champions League tie with Toulouse on Tuesday. A reassessment of Gerrard’s injury will be made when club doctor Mark Waller returns from his international duties. Manager Rafa Benitez knew he couldn’t afford to be without Gerrard against Chelsea and allowed the midfielder to have a pain killing injection to play, but will be taking a longer-term view over the next few days. He’ll want Gerrard 100 per cent fit for the demanding months to come. Liverpool’s international contingent return to Melwood today, having endured a mixed night on duty for their countries. Fernando Torres and Xabi Alonso featured for Spain in a 3-2 win over Greece, Dirk Kuyt was on the mark for Holland in a 2-1 victory over Switzerland, where Ryan Babel also played. John Arne Riise and Daniel Agger were also in action for Norway and Denmark. Meanwhile, Benitez’s revamp of Liverpool’s reserve squad continues at a prolific pace. Hungarian goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi, 17, has joined compatriots Krisztian Nemeth and Andras Simon from MTK Hungaria. Gulacsi has signed a 12-month loan deal. He’s joined by Spanish defender Mikel San Jose, 18, who signed on a three-year deal from Athletic Bilbao. San Jose has been at Anfield most of the summer, but like many of the club’s recent young recruits has had to wait several months for the move to be officially cleared. Over the last three seasons, the level of youth recruitment has hit unprecedented levels. Liverpool have signed in excess of 20 teenagers as Benitez seeks a stronger pool of emerging talent. | 
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