Injury Concern For Steven Gerrard, But The Reds Roll On

Liverpool's inspirational Captain Steven Gerrard was taken off in the first half of today's friendly with Norwegian side Valerenga with what is being described as a recurrence of his nagging groin injury. Even with Gerrard's exit, the Merseysiders eased to another impressive victory. 

The usual suspects were on the scoresheet again, with El Nino netting another, along with fellow Euro 2008 winner Xabi Alonso. Yossi Benayoun continued his wonderful pre-season with another goal, as did the young superstar-to-be David Ngog, who notched his second in as many games.

Manager Rafa Benitez is confident his skipper will be fully fit to lead the Reds onto the pitch at the Stadium of Light against Sunderland on August 16 to start the Premier League season. As a precaution, Stevie G will most likely not feature in the last friendly versus Lazio at Anfield, but all LFC supporters are hoping he's able to suit up for the upcoming Champions League Qualifier against Belgian Champs, Standard Liege.

With Gerrard's fitness in question, this could throw a kink in the looming sale of Xabi Alonso to Championship rivals Arsenal. Even with the team apparently adding Gareth Barry to an already stacked midfield, Alonso's passing and overall ability to read the game in the middle of the park is a wonderful attribute to have, especially if Stevie is not 100% to start the season.

In my opinion, such a valuable player like Xabi should certainly not be sold to a "top four" rival. Arsene Wenger has admitted that he rates Alonso very highly and desperately wants an experienced midfielder at the Emirates Stadium after the exits of Hleb, Flamini, and Gilberto.  I believe it could definitely come back to haunt Rafa if he lets the Spanish ace depart to North London.

No one would disagree that the Reds are looking great this preseason. However, selling off key players, coupled with ongoing injuries to star players, could make this another season of finger-biting for the Liverpool fans.