Liverpool´s Gerrard faces fitness battle

Liverpool could be without midfield dynamo Steven Gerrard for their August 13 Champions League qualifier against Belgium's Standard Liege as he battles a thigh strain, the club said Wednesday.

The England star had to go off during the 4-1 win over Norwegian side Valerenga and coach Rafa Benitez said it was touch and go whether he would recover in time.

“It is a thigh strain. We need to wait but it could be one week,” Benitez told www.liverpoolfc.tv as he ponders his selection for the tie with a place in the group stages a financial must.

Fernando Torres, Xabi Alonso, David Ngog and Yossi Benayoun were on target in another four-goal show after a weekend destruction of Rangers at Ibrox.

“The players aren't 100 percent yet,” according to Benitez.

“The other team were fitter than us but you could see we were passing, pressing and the understanding between the players was better. I am really pleased with the result.”

Liverpool next face Italian outfit Lazio at Anfield on Friday.