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Liverpool's Steven Gerrard sits on the floor after a challenge during their Champions League clash - Source: Reuters -
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Liverpool are sweating over the fitness of Steven Gerrard after scans revealed his groin injury is worse than first suspected, the Daily Mirror is reporting.
There is increased anger in the Liverpool camp after it was revealed the Reds skipper is facing a fight to be fit for the sides weekend visit to Sunderland after he was kept in the England training camp despite the injury.
Gerrard returned to Liverpool on Wednesday after he pulled out of England training and was booked in for a scan that revealed some minor tearing of the fibres in the adductor muscle.
The initial diagnosis is thought to keep him on the sidelines for a minimum of seven days, which would make the instrumental midfielder a major doubt for the visit to Sunderland.
But there are also fears that Gerrard may have further aggravated an existing injury, which would see him out for longer.
Liverpool, who face a massive month of games which include a visit from Lyon in the Champions League and a home clash with Manchester United on October 25th, already have problems for the Sunderland game, with midfielders Javier Mascherano and Lucas both not back from international duty until Saturday (NZT)
Benitez is also keeping a watchful eye over Fernando Torres and Dirk Kuyt, who both picked up midweek knocks.
If Gerrard is also ruled out, Benitez will have few options.
New signing Alberto Aquilani is now back in training, but is said to be at least a fortnight away from his first Liverpool appearance.
