Reds Rocked By Gerrard Blow

Liverpool's dramatic Champions League win has been tainted by the news that talismanic captain Steven Gerrard will miss the next few weeks through injury...

The Reds left it until the death last night as they claimed a 1-0 victory in their third-round tie against Standard Liege, Dirk Kuyt bundling home the winner deep in extra time.

But the euphoria of sneaking through to the Champions League group stages will now give way to anxiety as the Merseyside club face up to Gerrard's enforced absence.

The Huyton-born superstar is scheduled to undergo surgery on his troublesome groin today and will be out of action for the next fortnight.

As such, the 28-year-old is certain to miss England's upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Croatia. He may also be forced to sit out Liverpool's September 13 clash against Manchester United.

The news comes as a huge blow to Reds boss Rafael Benitez, who had only just welcomed Olympic duo Javier Mascherano and Lucas Leiva back into his midfield.

"I am disappointed for Steven. We knew he had a problem when he joined up with England for their last match. But he said he would play through the pain tonight," the Spaniard told the press.

"It is only a minor operation but we are looking at 10 to 15 days out."