Liverpool's medical staff have reacted with anger at news that
Steven Gerrard could miss the Premier League clash with West Ham,
criticising England for playing the midfielder for as long as they
did.
Gerrard limped off after 85 minutes of England's 2-1 defeat to
France at Wembley, to be replaced by goalscorer Peter Crouch, after
injuring his hamstring in a challenge with France midfielder Yoann
Gourcuff.
Almost immediately, two members of Liverpool's backroom staff
used Twitter to vent their frustration in the latest bout
of club vs. country arguments, hinting that the club were given
assurances that their skipper would not play a full part in the
friendly match.
Darren Burgess, Liverpool's head of fitness and conditioning,
said: "Unbelievable from all associated with England and English FA
with regard to SGs (Gerrard's) injury. Completely ignored agreement
and past history. Completely amateurish and now we pay for their
incompetence. Absolutely disgraceful."
Liverpool physio Chris Morgan also commented: "Stevie getting
injured ... more evidence if it was needed of why I hate
internationals."
Fabio Capello, however, insisted he played Gerrard for longer
than the hour because Gareth Barry had an ankle problem and Rio
Ferdinand had picked up a muscle problem.
Capello said: ''We spoke with Steve and he said he would play
one hour, but after Barry's injury we had some problems. That was
the reason he stayed on the pitch. If it's possible, the players
will play the time we agreed with the club. But Barry was really
injured so we needed someone senior on the pitch because it was a
really young team. He said he was good. We're upset about what
happened to Steve, of course.''
The England coach did admit Liverpool had requested Gerrard not
play more than an hour.
He said: ''They asked that he can play one hour if it's
possible. They can't decide how long a player plays with the
national team. If it's possible, he'd have played an hour.
''I understand why they're upset and I'm also upset. The problem
is that, when you play this game on Wednesday after a lot of
Premier League, Europa League or Champions League games, it's
possible there might be an injury for a player. The Premier League,
every time, is a tough league for the players.''
The news worsened for Liverpool after it was revealed that
midfielder Dirk Kuyt aggravated an existing ankle problem while
away on international with Holland against Turkey.