my liverpool fc

STEVEN GERRARD is losing his battle to face Derby County this weekend.

The Reds skipper is still suffering with a broken toe and would require another painkilling injection to face The Rams.

Manager Rafa Benitez admitted today it’s unlikely he’ll risk his captain.

“We’ll train again this afternoon, but I spoke to Steven again yesterday and the news was not very positive,” explained Benitez. “It will be very difficult for him to play on Saturday. The doctor will continue to help him, but maybe it’s too early for this weekend.”

Jamie Carragher is also a definite absentee. He only left hospital on Tuesday and will undergo another scan on his ribs and lung today.

But Andriy Voronin has recovered from a slight thigh strain which kept him out of Tuesday’s Champions League qualifier.

Added Benitez: “Voronin didn’t have a big problem but we decided to be careful against Toulouse.

“We also have Fabio Aurelio and Harry Kewell improving all the time and we hope to be have them back in the squad soon.”

Benitez spent yesterday trying to find defensive reinforcements, but it’s now unlikely Liverpool will be involved in any major transfer activity before tomorrow’s midnight deadline.

“Maybe there will be deals for some of our young reserves, that’s all,” said Benitez. “We were checking some options for the first team squad yesterday, but it’s very difficult to find the right players this late. I don’t think we will be signing anyone now.

“Rick, Foster, Eduardo (Macia) and I looked at some options, but we decided we don’t want to sign a player just for the sake of it. It has to be the right player and not for crazy money.”

Despite ongoing speculation linking Peter Crouch with a last minute exit, Benitez is adamant he has no intention of selling the striker, who made a goalscoring return in Europe in midweek.

“There has been no bid for Crouch, certainly not before this morning anyway,” said Benitez, responding to more speculation today.

“I have the same idea now as I’ve said before. I don’t want to let anyone go. I’ve spoken to the player and he knows we need him.”

Portsmouth are being linked with a last ditch bid for the striker, but Benitez is confident Crouch has no intention of seeking a move.

Whether the player’s representatives see it that way may become clearer over the next 48 hours, but Liverpool will resist any attempt to lure the striker away, especially as it would be too late to replace him.