If there was one other thing besides the spirit of Istanbul that Liverpool supporters could take solace in prior to their match tonight with Chelsea, it was the news that skipper Steven Gerrard would most likely feature in the critical clash at Stamford Bridge. At least we have Gerro, supporters screamed from the rafters!

Not anymore.

Rafa Benitez has once again turned the tables and put the match on its head by talking nothing but Gerrard for the last couple of days before doing a full u-turn at the last possible second. Sky Sports has just confirmed that the midfielder won’t be in the squad against Chelsea.

Rafa Benitez has firmly placed his cards on the table — it’s Premier League or bust for Liverpool this season.

Whilst many supporters will be gutted to hear the news, the reality of it all is that Benitez understands that the league is more important than the Champions League this year.

It’s been a long time since the club has been within sniffing distance of the top, and if Benitez were to risk Gerrard and watch the skipper rupture his groin to the point of no return…well that could prove to be fatal for their dream of nabbing the last piece of silverware Benitez so desperately covets.