Gerrard blow for Liverpool
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Gerrard blow for Liverpool: Injured midfielder to miss Arsenal clash
Steven Gerrard warms up at Stamford Bridge
Liverpool's title hopes were dealt a crushing blow last night when Steven Gerrard was ruled out of their next two games with a recurrence of his groin injury.
Gerrard missed Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final return with Chelsea due to suffering a reaction in training the previous evening. He has been ordered to rest for the next week and will be unavailable for Tuesday's home game with Arsenal and the following Saturday's trip to Hull.
A club spokesman said: 'In the training session before the Chelsea game, Steven unfortunately aggravated a small strain he had previously suffered in the adductor muscle.'
Meanwhile, Liverpool's Charles Itandje will be fined and offloaded at the earliest opportunity after 'inappropriate' conduct at this week's Hillsborough memorial service.
Manager Rafa Benitez and other senior Anfield officials are furious at television footage showing the goalkeeper, 26, laughing and simulating dance moves.
They will impose the maximum fine at their disposal, around £25,000. Sacking him may prove difficult but Benitez will do his utmost to remove him during the summer.
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wow GOOD NEWS
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Liverpool fans rage at keeper 'dancing and joking' during Hillsborough memorial service
Controversy: Charles Itandje (top left under the 'Anfield' caption) appearing to sway and grin as the Hillsborough anthem 'Tragedy' was being sung
Rafa Benitez is said to be disgusted by the antics of Liverpool reserve goalkeeper Charles Itandje during the Hillsborough memorial service.
The club are reportedly looking into taking disciplinary action against the Frenchman and his future at Anfield could even be in jeopardy after TV footage appeared to show him fooling around during the 20th anniversary ceremony.
Hundreds of outraged Liverpool supporters have complained about Itandje's behaviour on internet message boards, with most saying his behaviour was totally at odds with the solemn occasion.
Fans claim the French keeper was seen laughing and joking, simulating dance moves and trying to make team-mate Damien Plessis laugh during the Tragedy song sung at the service.
Plessis was clearly embarrassed, while the rest of the Liverpool squad conducted themselves impeccably, as did members of the youth and reserve teams who were also present.
A senior Anfield figure who has viewed the footage from Wednesday's service told the Liverpool Echo that Itandje's behaviour on Wednesday was 'wholly unacceptable'.
Manager Rafa Benitez is also said to be 'disgusted' having seen the images after being alerted to the issue. He has moved swiftly to seek action against the 26-year-old.
Fans claim the keeper was seen laughing and joking, simulating dance moves and laugh during the Tragedy song sung at the service.
Itandje joined Liverpool on a free transfer in the summer of 2007. The former Lens player has only featured in seven first-team games since then, with his last appearance coming in last season's shock FA Cup exit at the hands of Barnsley.
Though he retains a squad number, Itandje has not been included in Benitez's first-team squad all season and unsuccessful attempts have been made to offload him in the last two transfer windows.
Solemn moment: Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez (centre) stands behind Kenny Dalglish at the memorial service while Reds captain Steven Gerrard and team-mates Jamie Carragher and Fernando Torres look on.
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wad a joker..
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Thats the price for rushing a player back i guess.
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rafa din rushed him
gerrard din play any games since he was out -
its just fate.
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Originally posted by limpper:
rafa din rushed him
gerrard din play any games since he was outstarted training too soon?
i rmb before chelsea match he start training liao.
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oh
this kind of groin injury normally can take light trainings de
and they are pro footballers, so it should be ok for them to take it
but who knows? maybe gerrard at night go out with torres to red light district to enjoy? then in the mist of making out on the bed, too tough to take alr? lol -
lol torres his good buddy arh?
y never bring reina along?
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ya
ever since torres came, carrgh had been lonely
last time always gerrard and carrgh hang out today, but since torrres came, gerrard dont follow carrgh go enjoy liao, lol -
Ok, no Gerrard, Liverpool are to lose. heh
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dun worry la.. arsenal only left with one 1st team def and stand in keeper.. sure u all can beat us, if not i got nth to say
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Gerrard out for Arsenal Clash
Ho sei la wooooo