Stevie injury rocks Reds - Echo

Liverpool Echo, 21 Sept 2004
Stevie injury rocks Reds
By David Prentice, Liverpool Echo

LIVERPOOL'S worst fears were confirmed today with the news that Steven
Gerrard has broken his foot and will be sidelined for eight weeks.

An x-ray today confirmed the overnight diagnosis that Gerrard has fractured
the fifth metatarsal of his left foot.

He will miss at least seven Premiership matches - including the trip to
Chelsea, plus Champions League fixtures against Olympiakos and both clashes
against Deportivo La Coruna.

He also definitely misses England's World Cup double-header against Wales
and Azerbaijan.

Gerrard limped out of last night's Old Trafford defeat six minutes before
half-time and said afterwards: "No-one was by me when it happened. Xabi
Alonso passed me the ball and I have gone to turn and my foot stayed in the
turf. Then I felt a crack in my foot.

"I will be devastated if it is a break." Manager Rafael Benitez confirmed:
"He will be a big loss, but we have a big squad with other players."

The injury is identical to the one England team-mate Wayne Rooney sustained
to his right foot during Euro 2004.

He has been sidelined for 13 weeks so far, and has not been pencilled in
for a return to competitive action for a further fortnight. The Reds are
hopeful, however, that Gerrard's recovery will be much quicker.

The Reds have been given a boost meanwhile, by news that Antonio Nunez will
make his comeback in Thursday's reserve match at Birmingham City.

The former Real Madrid winger was injured in his first training session,
but is finally set to pull on a Red shirt for the first time.