Gerrard set to miss Lyon showdown

Liverpool FC will be without captain Steven Gerrard for Wednesday's crucial UEFA Champions League Group E tie at Olympique Lyonnais after the midfielder failed to recover from a groin injury in time.

'No chance'
Gerrard has been out of action since being substituted with the problem during his side's 2-1 home defeat by Lyon on Matchday 3. "Gerrard won't travel to Lyon," manager Rafael Benítez confirmed. "He has no chance. He is improving, but we have to wait. He has had an injection but we have to wait two or three days and see how he reacts."

Aquilani return
Liverpool slumped to their sixth defeat in seven matches when they were beaten 3-1 by Fulham FC on Saturday. Benítez is already without Albert Riera (hamstring), Martin Kelly (ankle) and Martin Škrtel (muscle), while Fernando Torres (groin) is a doubt. On the plus side, summer signing Alberto Aquilani could feature on his return from injury if he can shake off the lingering effects of the virus that kept him out against Fulham. Liverpool lie third in Group E, three behind ACF Fiorentina and six shy of leaders Lyon.