Liverpool’s Steven Gerrard Doubtful for Wigan Match

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish has a weakened side available to him for the Premier League match against relegation-threatened Wigan, with at least half a dozen squad members potentially unavailable.

The biggest injury doubt is with influential midfielder Steven Gerrard, whose groin strain kept him out of the midweek international fixture where England won 2-1 in Denmark.

Dalglish would normally not be forced to risk Gerrard, instead relying on the depth of the squad to cover, however with injuries to Jonjo Shelvey (knee), Joe Cole (knee) and Jay Spearing (foot), he may have no alternative than to hope Gerrard passes a late fitness test.

Also doubtful for the home tie are Martin Kelly (ankle), Martin Skrtel (thigh), whilst new signing Andy Carroll is still a few weeks away from recovering.

Despite the setback, Dalglish will head into the match knowing his side is in fantastic form: a win would see them reach five successive victories, and push them closer to the title-chasing teams above them in the league.

Wigan have a handful of walking wounded in their squad as well – defender Gary Caldwell will be playing with a Gascoigne-esque face mask, to protect his fractured cheekbone suffered earlier this month. Republic of Ireland international James McCarthy will be available for selection after missing out on the international matches in midweek. Full-back Maynor Figueroa is still absent.

Wigan’s win over Blackburn last weekend was their first in eight league games, and boss Roberto Martinez will know results will have to start emerging soon otherwise they could be playing Championship football next season.

Premier League 09/10:

Wigan 1-0 Liverpool

Liverpool 2-1 Wigan

Premier League 10/11:

Wigan 1-1 Liverpool